New social media laws sought in wake of Belfast rape trial

A Government minister has insisted new laws to curb the threat of social media to criminal cases are immediately introduced in the wake of the Belfast rape trial.

Culture Minister Josepha Madigan said her contempt of court bill — which was stalled when she entered cabinet last November — must be re-examined due to the level of commentary both during and after the nine-week trial in order to protect the judicial process.

Last week, Ulster and Ireland rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were acquitted of the rape of a 19-year-old. Paddy Jackson was also cleared of sexually assault.