A video showing the two men, accused of murdering Banbridge nurse Karen Cummings, appearing in court has been widely shared online.
As a result, police have launched an investigation into what is considered contempt of court, which could see a guilty party receive a two year prison sentence.
Related: Karen Cummings: Two men appear in court charged with Banbridge mother-of-two’s murder
Attorney Geneeral, Dame Brenda King, said that the death of the mother-of-two last weekend had “understandably attracted much commentary”.
“The tragedy and emotive nature of such cases cannot be underestimated,” she added.
“However, a member of the public may well be in contempt of court as a result of publication or commentary on social media in relation to active criminal proceedings.”
“As two persons have been arrested and charged in respect of this matter these proceedings are active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981,” the attorney general said.
“The attorney reminds the public that social media posts have the potential to impact jurors who have to decide whether someone is guilty or not of an offence based on evidence properly before them.
“A person can be found in contempt of court if something they publish creates a substantial risk that justice in the criminal proceedings would be seriously impeded or prejudiced, regardless of their intent to do so.”
She said publication, either online or in print, may be contempt of court if it:
– Draws attention to a defendant’s previous convictions or comments on their character.
– Gives a view on facts or evidence that will be considered during the trial.
– Names someone in breach of an injunction or court order.
– Names victims, witnesses, and offenders under the age of 18.
– Names a victim of a sex crime.
– Shares any information about a case that the judge has ordered to be kept private.
– Records and/or shares images, video content, or sound clips from court proceedings.
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