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Ann Maguire judge warns social media users about jeopardising murder trial Ann Maguire judge warns social media users about jeopardising murder trial
(about 1 hour later)
A judge has warned bloggers and social media users that they face serious consequences if they publish anything that could jeopardise the trial of a 15-year-old boy accused of murdering a teacher.A judge has warned bloggers and social media users that they face serious consequences if they publish anything that could jeopardise the trial of a 15-year-old boy accused of murdering a teacher.
The teenager, who cannot be named, appeared via videolink at Leeds crown court on Friday charged with stabbing to death 61-year-old Ann Maguire, who taught Spanish at Corpus Christi Catholic college in Leeds.The teenager, who cannot be named, appeared via videolink at Leeds crown court on Friday charged with stabbing to death 61-year-old Ann Maguire, who taught Spanish at Corpus Christi Catholic college in Leeds.
He was remanded in custody after his defence barrister, Richard Wright QC, did not apply for bail. A provisional trial date was set for 3 November.He was remanded in custody after his defence barrister, Richard Wright QC, did not apply for bail. A provisional trial date was set for 3 November.
Flanked by two prison officers, the boy spoke only to confirm his name and to say that he understood the proceedings.Flanked by two prison officers, the boy spoke only to confirm his name and to say that he understood the proceedings.
His parents were not in court on Friday, though they were present to support him at the youth court in Leeds for his first appearance on Thursday. The barristers and judge all sat in the courtroom without their normal wigs and gowns and dispensed with some of the normal protocols of the crown court due to the defendant's age.
The boy's parents were not in court on Friday, though they were present to support him at the youth court in Leeds for his first appearance on Thursday.
The prosecuting barrister, Paul Greaney QC, asked the judge to warn members of the public as well as the media that the boy had a right to a fair trial.The prosecuting barrister, Paul Greaney QC, asked the judge to warn members of the public as well as the media that the boy had a right to a fair trial.
Addressing the court, Greaney said: "This case has understandably generated public concern and public interest in equal measure.Addressing the court, Greaney said: "This case has understandably generated public concern and public interest in equal measure.
"The print and broadcast media have reported the case very extensively and prominently and there has been much comment about it online in social media.""The print and broadcast media have reported the case very extensively and prominently and there has been much comment about it online in social media."
As proceedings were active, he said, "any publication which creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in the proceedings will be seriously impeded or prejudiced will be a contempt of court.As proceedings were active, he said, "any publication which creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in the proceedings will be seriously impeded or prejudiced will be a contempt of court.
"It should be understood that this applies not only to publications by news organisations but also by users of online social media and bloggers."It should be understood that this applies not only to publications by news organisations but also by users of online social media and bloggers.
"Obvious examples of publications that may create a relevant risk are those dealing with the defendant's history and background, whether medical or otherwise, and his relationship with Mrs Maguire or other teachers at the school, or with his parents or other young persons.""Obvious examples of publications that may create a relevant risk are those dealing with the defendant's history and background, whether medical or otherwise, and his relationship with Mrs Maguire or other teachers at the school, or with his parents or other young persons."
The judge, Geoffrey Marson QC, reiterated Greaney's point, saying that bloggers and users of social media sites were "just as much bound by these rules as the press".The judge, Geoffrey Marson QC, reiterated Greaney's point, saying that bloggers and users of social media sites were "just as much bound by these rules as the press".
"The consequences for individuals, I want to emphasise, can be serious if there's a breach," the judge said. "The consequences for individuals, I want to emphasise, can be serious if there's a breach," he said.
Under English law, any child involved in court proceedings is entitled to anonymity. Normally, that means media cannot name their school or college.Under English law, any child involved in court proceedings is entitled to anonymity. Normally, that means media cannot name their school or college.
But the judge agreed with Greaney that it would be absurd for reports to omit that the charges related to Maguire's death at Corpus Christi on Monday.But the judge agreed with Greaney that it would be absurd for reports to omit that the charges related to Maguire's death at Corpus Christi on Monday.
None of Maguire's family attended court on Friday.None of Maguire's family attended court on Friday.
Before the events at the court, it emerged that a second teenager had been arrested on Thursday in connection with the killing.Before the events at the court, it emerged that a second teenager had been arrested on Thursday in connection with the killing.
West Yorkshire police confirmed that a boy had been arrested at the college and was later released without charge.West Yorkshire police confirmed that a boy had been arrested at the college and was later released without charge.
The force would not say what offence he was arrested on suspicion of, but said it was not murder.The force would not say what offence he was arrested on suspicion of, but said it was not murder.
The arrest is understood to be related to online banter dating back to some time before the attack, but the boy had claimed it related to a computer game.The arrest is understood to be related to online banter dating back to some time before the attack, but the boy had claimed it related to a computer game.