Bethan Rogers examines the dangers of trial by Social Media

February 10, 2022

Writing for the Law Gazette and to mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, Bethan Rogers examines the dangers of trial by social media. She argues that allegations of sexual offences need to be heard in a court room and not trial by mob rule. Bethan comments:

“Those of us who prosecute and defend in cases involving allegations of sexual offences cling desperately to the belief that the right and proper place for the resolution of such matters, is in the calm and clinical world of a court room. It’s not easy, it’s not pretty but I defy you to come up with a better alternative. These trials by social media are ugly, fickle and fundamentally erode the principle of innocence until proven otherwise.”