Paper found in contempt after publishing daughter’s name

THE Evening Herald newspaper was found in contempt of court during the Eamonn Lillis murder trial after it published the name of the accused’s daughter in breach of a court order.

The issue, which was raised in court in the absence of the jury last Thursday, can only be published now. Prosecution barrister Mary Ellen Ring SC, raised the matter by pointing out that she had expressly referred to the Children’s Act 2001 which prevents the publication of the names of children involved in court proceedings “before I said one word in this case”.

Ms Ring said the DPP considered the article published in the Evening Herald on January 22 to be a clear breach of the legislation which was introduced to protect vulnerable children. The court heard no penalty for breach of the issue was set out in the legislation which meant the DPP cannot bring any criminal proceedings on the matter.