Fears social media may prejudice trial

A senior Melbourne police chief has joined with Jill Meagher’s grieving husband in calling for people not to post anything on social media websites which might prejudice the trial of the man accused of killing her.

Tom Meagher made his plea yesterday just minutes after Adrian Ernest Bayley appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court accused of raping and murdering the 29-year-old Irishwoman before dumping her body in a shallow grave in a remote area.

Standing on the court’s steps, a composed Mr Meagher told reporters: “Despite the fact that this is the worst thing we’ll ever go through in our lives, I’ve been really humbled by the support from the Australian public, the fine efforts of police and all of the friends, family, who’ve put their lives on hold to help us out.

“And while I appreciate all the support, I would just like to mention that negative comments on social media may hurt legal proceedings, so please be mindful of that.”

Please remember posting comments which endanger the presumption of innocence can also jeopardise a trial #JillMeagher #RIPJillMeagher

— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) September 28, 2012

Graham Ashton, deputy commissioner of Victoria Police, said while his officers had been overwhelmed by public support, members of social media sites should now “refrain from posting inappropriate comments that might jeopardise a successful prosecution”.

During yesterday’s brief hearing, Mr Meagher and Jill Meagher’s brother Michael sat just a few feet from the man accused of killing the young woman in the early hours of last Saturday.

After the magistrate told Bayley she could not hear a bail application on his behalf due to the severity of the charges, she remanded him in custody to appear again on Jan 18.

As he was led from the court, someone in the public gallery shouted “maggot”.

Meanwhile, it has emerged the CCTV footage — which proved crucial in bringing a case against Bayley — was released more quickly than otherwise might have been the case, because Melbourne police feared the killer might strike again.

When the footage was released, one Melbourne writer immediately got in touch with Crimestoppers to report she had been attacked while cycling in the same area at 1am last July.