The media has been instructed not to disclose evidence presented in court in a concerning development for free speech. Hertfordshire Police recently sent a communication to newspapers, urging them not to reveal certain details related to the trial of Kyle Clifford, who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, her sister, and their mother at their residence in Bushey.
Following a request from the victims’ family through the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) to withhold specific information, the police attempted to enforce compliance with this request. While Ipso can relay such requests, it should not impede newspapers from reporting evidence disclosed in the courtroom. Any judicial order restricting the reporting of court evidence can be challenged, and there are legal provisions that can also limit reporting on court cases.
At the conclusion of Clifford’s trial, Hertfordshire Police distributed an email instructing newspapers to adhere to the voluntary guidelines set by Ipso. This move raises concerns about potential encroachment on press freedom and freedom of speech.
Clifford was convicted of the murders of Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah, and their mother Carol. He also raped Louise prior to her death. The victims were related to John Hunt, a well-known BBC horse racing commentator.
The demand by the police for media compliance with voluntary guidelines is worrisome to advocates of free speech. Harry Miller, a former police officer and free speech advocate, criticized the police’s assertion of authority beyond their mandate, emphasizing that their role is to uphold the law, not dictate media coverage. He warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on free speech.
Ipso has previously been accused of undermining the principle of open justice. In a separate incident in 2022, the organization circulated a request…
A former primary school teacher has been accused of slapping a horse outside the court, and newspapers have refrained from photographing her. Ipso operates a privacy notice system where specific requests are passed to editors and journalists, emphasizing that these notices are confidential and editors have full decision-making control. Ipso clarified that privacy notices do not restrict reporting on matters of public interest, such as court proceedings, and do not override the Editors’ Code standards. However, a recent ruling by Ipso deemed journalists reporting on evidence from an open court as a dangerous intrusion. In this case, Ipso concluded that a website’s detailed description of a rape victim’s physical reaction to the attack was an intrusion causing distress to the victim. This decision raised concerns about press regulation interfering with reporting on public court cases. Experience award-winning British journalism by exploring The Telegraph, where you can enjoy a free 1-month trial with unlimited access to the website, exclusive app, money-saving offers, and more.
