The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #164222   Message #3927541
Posted By: Iains
28-May-18 - 05:35 AM
Thread Name: BS: Tommy Robinson's Arrest
Subject: RE: BS: Tommy Robinson's Arrest
"But his arrest is NOT about his views, it's due to the existence of a previous suspended sentence, contravened by contempt of court and breach of the Peace."
Yes, with reservations!
If I understand correctly Robinson has attended several grooming trials as a "reporter"
There is a need for the public to know about these grooming cases.
HOWEVER there is also a need to ensure the trial of so many defendants can proceed without becoming jeopardised by breaching the extremely severe reporting restrictions that apply when a case involves child sexual exploitation.

"There have been three separate trials in progress in Leeds of more than 20 individuals accused of being part of a grooming gang. Not all of the trials have yet concluded. As with other grooming gang trials, the prosecution has invested a great deal of effort in securing justice for the alleged victims; part of that effort is to ensure that outside interference is not allowed to compromise or even collapse the trial."

"Former prosecutor Nazir Afzal set out the potential pitfalls of breaking reporting restrictions: “We nearly lost the so called Rochdale grooming case (#ThreeGirls) cos of a far right communication … Their lawyers applied at their trial that the jury had been prejudiced by Far Right We had to fight to persuade Court to allow trial to continue Those criminals came close to being freed & victims close to getting NO justice Jury must decide on EVIDENCE, not on your OPINION”

That he should be punished for potentially collapsing a trial is beyond dispute.

That he is being silenced for highlighting grooming gangs that are a minority of a particular demographic is another issue. This latter issue is a topic both police and government would prefer to sweep under the carpet and pretend it does not exist. It is a totally unacceptable. The speed with which he was arrested and sentenced says a lot. None of it particularly complimentary to our police, government and judiciary. Different people will draw different conclusions. The so called breach of the peace he was accused of smacks of a trumped up charge to me.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/grooming-gangs-uk-britain-newcastle-serious-case-review-operation-sanctuary-shelter-muslim-asian-a8225106.html