Many may wonder why the commenting option on PlymouthLive’s website and Facebook page will sometimes be turned off
Today Southway man Cody Ackland will appear at court where he will be asked to enter a plea regarding the alleged murder of Bobbi-Anne McLeod.
PlymouthLive will be covering the appearance, with reporters live at Plymouth Crown Court as Ackland is accused of murdering the 18-year-old student sometime between November 20 and November 23, 2021.
Many have previously asked why the commenting option on PlymouthLive's website and Facebook page has been turned off on these types of stories.
Follow our live blog here: Bobbi-Anne McLeod murder accused Cody Ackland to appear at court today
This is because this is an active and ongoing case – meaning any comments left on social media could prejudice a potential trial.
So if you see that a post has limited your ability to comment on it, this will be the case for everyone. Sometimes posts have comments on when we make a decision to turn them off and we often turn comments off after a few hours of being posted, because we are not around to monitor them.
The police warned of people speculating last year, and in a statement said: “Whilst of course we understand the public interest in these updates, we remind the public that this is a live and active case and we ask members of the public to not speculate on social media.”
Anyone that may comment on social media about the hearing could be in contempt of court which means it may stop somebody from getting a fair trial and can affect the outcome.
During Ackland's first appearance at Truro Crown Court, Judge Linford directed fired a warning to the media and social media users over the dangers of publishing inaccurate material that could jeopardise a future trial.
He described some of the material shared on social media as “inaccurate and irresponsible”.
He said: "It's deeply hurtful to the family of Bobbi-Ann and I direct people allow justice to take its course".
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26 janvier, 2022 0 Comments 1 category
Category: Non classé