Pre-trial publicity warning for media

The Director of Public Prosecutions has warned the media of the danger associated with pre-trial publicity interfering with the right of an accused person to a fair trial.

In a foreword to her office’s annual report, published yesterday, Claire Loftus advised journalists and other media commentators that they bear a “high degree of responsibility” to ensure they do not prejudice criminal proceedings.

She said she was making the remarks in a general sense. She made no reference to specific cases where the issue has arisen in the last few months, particularly in relation to trials pending against former bankers.