Courts / Ireland / Report
Judge refuses to order computer firms remove internet references to previous trial
Summary
In a High Court hearing on 6 June 2018, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy refused to order Google and Microsoft to remove online references to a man who had been convicted of an unconnected sexual assault earlier that year and was facing a second trial for sexual offences. The judge noted that the courts must adapt to the modern world and that jurors can be trusted to remain impartial even if they encounter online material. Lawyers for the accused had sought temporary removal of the man's name from search results, citing concerns that published reports could prejudice the upcoming trial. The DPP argued that even if search engines removed the name, the material would still be available online. Mr Justice McCarthy concluded that it was unnecessary to remove any online content and that jurors should be instructed to disclose any prior knowledge of the case.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge refuses to order computer firms remove internet references to previous trial. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Convicted
When:
- 2018-06-06 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request