Rod Liddle Spectator article referred to Attorney General over alleged contempt of court

An article by Rod Liddle in The Spectator, referring to the current Stephen Lawrence murder trial, has caused controversy after the judge asked Attorney General Dominic Grieve to consider whether the article was in contempt of court.

The issue of media coverage of the case is particularly sensitive given the long history of the investigation into Stephen Lawrence’s death. Mr Justice Treacy reportedly ordered the jury not to read the article, having already ascertained that none of them had so far done so.

At issue is the question of whether Liddle could have allegedly prejudiced the trial. If it is decided that the article was in contempt of court, Liddle could allegedly face action while The Spectator could potentially be fined.