Stephen Lawrence
27/07/06 09:25 Media
issues
Let me say first that I
have no idea whether or not the men accused of
murdering Stephen Lawrence are guilty or not. The
consensus seems to be that they are; the courts
decided otherwise some time ago.
As I say, I have no idea. But I do feel, pretty strongly, that if there's new evidence then the place for it is at New Scotland Yard, or indeed Stephen Lawrence House rather than a TV programme. I have no doubt that the current incarnation of the Met will take the allegations very seriously - they'll also have to take into account that they came from a self-confessed bent copper - and investigate anything new that arises.
But the accused lawyers, should they come to trial again under the double jeopardy rules. will have a pretty cast-iron case saying that the men can't get a fair trial because the media has convinced everyone of their guilt in advance. I'm not entirely sure how that helps.
As I say, I have no idea. But I do feel, pretty strongly, that if there's new evidence then the place for it is at New Scotland Yard, or indeed Stephen Lawrence House rather than a TV programme. I have no doubt that the current incarnation of the Met will take the allegations very seriously - they'll also have to take into account that they came from a self-confessed bent copper - and investigate anything new that arises.
But the accused lawyers, should they come to trial again under the double jeopardy rules. will have a pretty cast-iron case saying that the men can't get a fair trial because the media has convinced everyone of their guilt in advance. I'm not entirely sure how that helps.
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