In a press release today, August 23, 2024, the Cayman Court reiterated that there are restrictions for the public to publish any photos or information that may lead to the identification of the young victim in the Noel Baker rape trial.
The Court explained: “During the criminal trial of Noel Baker, Richards J instructed the public, including the media, in open court, to adhere to reporting restrictions which can be found in section 12 of the Youth Justice Act (2021 Revision).”
For members of the public unfamiliar with this Act, it states:
12. (1) In relation to any proceedings in any court, such court may direct that:
(a) no published report of or comment on the proceedings shall reveal the name, address or school, or include any particulars calculated to lead to the identification, of any young person concerned in the proceedings, either as being the person by, against or in respect of whom the proceedings are taken, or as being a witness in the proceedings; and
(b) no picture shall be published as being or including a picture of any young person so concerned in the proceedings.
(2) Whoever publishes any matter in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction, in respect of each such offence, to a fine of five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for six months.
The Courts added:
As such the media is reminded that, in addition to any primary content they may publish, any republication of third-party statements, content, photos which can identify or contribute to the identification of the victim, equally fall within the same restrictions.
All members of the public are advised that “reporting restrictions” apply to any person who publishes any information or makes any content available online.”
Based on the Court’s press release, any publication will also include the sharing of pertinent information about the young victim on social media.
Now that the Court has published this statement, it reminds all members of the public of the consequences of sharing items on social media where the Courts have issued restrictions on publication. Further, it appears that the $5,000 fine or six months imprisonment will apply, notwithstanding that the relevant person is unaware of the law.
