Footballer Arrest Over Child Sex Allegations

[Mozz71]

Obviously a shocking story developing, but clearly one that needs to be handled privately until such time that a conviction is made. Right?

Wrong it seems, if you're working for The Sun. They've decided to name the accused by not naming him. The information in the public domain is the accused is a 31 yo, married footballer. Everton have made a press release saying it's one of their players who has been arrested. The Sun have reported that one player has been falsely accused on Twitter and have named him on their front page, leaving ONLY ONE OTHER PLAYER fitting that criteria. (I'm not naming the players involved, look it up if you're interested)

Surely this isn't legal, and could potentially harm any proceedings? As terrible as such crimes are, until an arrest is made, anonymity is surely essential.

[Ken4155]

An arrest has been made, Mozz?

[Mozz71]

He's being investigated as far as I can see Ken. Hasn't been nicked yet.

[Ken4155]

Ah, i see, you mention 'conviction' in your opening sentence, then mistakenly 'arrest' in your closing statement.

[Canary42]

Yes Mozz I agree. Trial by media again.

[Ken4155]

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-footballer-arrested-over-child-sex-allegations-3314793

[Mozz71]

My apologies Ken, wrong wording.

[Jackdaw33]

I couldn't agree more. Those who are interested can find out the name by a process of elimination. Any information which allows them to do that must be illegal.

[davebro]

Don't all accused get named once charges have been brought?

[Ken4155]

Doesn't say that a charge has been made, davebro. Just that a man was arrested, questioned and released on bail.

[Jackdaw33]

//Don't all accused get named once charges have been brought? \\

Not always, especially if the victim is a minor and could be identified.

[Canary42]

/// Don't all accused get named once charges have been brought? ///

Not necessarily, names can be withheld for legal reasons, even during the trial.

[aelmpvw]

isn't starting a thread on the subject compounding the privacy issues?

[Mozz71]

Gromit, that may be so, but the British press is governed by British law, so should be better than that (even The Sun)

[Mozz71]

Ael- //isn't starting a thread on the subject compounding the privacy issues?//

Only if I had named names, which I did not do.

[Peter Pedant]

// Any information which allows them to do that must be illegal.//
chrissakes Jarkie (*) you have a durham law degree innit?

Discussion of a case ( allegations - he says-she says to the av ABer ) area allowed until a charge is brought

he was arrested on suspicion - and NJ can tell us what right and duties that confers - he is allowed to say no comment whole way to avoid self-incrimination innit?

so that was EARLY BUT it allows the police to collect evidence

I am certain there are recent changes t the rules of sex cases - I thought it would be he: "I got frunk and she said she was over 16"
she: I was a liddle schoolie minding my business at a night club actually and as a joke I said - I am over sixty when clearly I am not- is it true he is paid £125 000 an hour and I did say can I have a bit. But I meant of his £125 000."

fair trial is NOT endangered as there isnt one ( yet - or at all)