Man jailed for court Facebook streaming

A MAN has been sent to prison for Facebook Live streaming at court while a person gave evidence.

David William Davies was sitting in the public gallery of Cardiff Crown Court on February 20 when he started to stream a person giving evidence in a dangerous driving trial.

Davies streamed the proceedings for around an hour in two separate videos.

The streams were watched by more than 650 people and were “liked” and commented on dozens of times.

Officers were contacted by a member of the public who saw the footage.

Davies, from Llantwit Fardre, returned to court the following day to watch the case resume, where he was then arrested.

The 39-year-old was put before Judge Greg Bull QC on the same day, where he was sentenced to 28 days in prison for contempt of court .

Davies posted a status following the last live stream which said: “Courts adjourned verdict tomorrow tune in for another live feed ding rinder signing off Cardiff crown.”

Prior to the trial Davies posted another status saying: “Feeling the tension in Cardiff crown court.”

South Wales Police PC Richard Sellek said: “Unfortunately cases such as this are becoming more and more commonplace.

“There are prominent notices within all courts about the use of mobile phones before people enter the courtroom.

“This should serve as a warning to others who think that the law does not apply to them.”

Davies Livestreamed from the trial of William Collins, 44, who is facing a charge of dangerous driving.