The Suffolk murders have highlighted the powers and consequent dangers of a ’24-hour news media’. Within hours of the arrest of the suspect one could obtain a remarkable amount of detail about him. Like many people, he had a My Space site (now removed). The details from there were posted swiftly on major national news websites. We now know his age, sexuality and appearance. We even know his favourite cartoon character and the fact that he enjoys listening to Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel. What we do not know is whether or not he is guilty of the murders of the five women in Ipswich.

Yesterday’s Sunday Mirror led with the following headline. In fact, even now you can still listen to the interview. Today, the BBC made the decision to broadcast an audio recording of an interview the suspect voluntarily gave to them on December 11th. He gave it to them confidentially as ‘background’ information for their reports on the horrific crimes. Last week, ITN chillingly interviewed Paula Clennell just 48 hours before she went missing and was murdered. Have these media organisations behaved responsibility? Are they prejudicing any future court case? Do they care?

All news outlets are under pressure to get the scoop, to get the different angle, the different picture, the different interview. The pressures to do this have become much greater since the advent of ’24 hour news’ programming. By one measure, the BBC and Sunday Mirror have been successful. However, I am not convinced that their decisions to run with these “scoops” were as influenced by legal ramifications and the good of society, as they were by ratings and sales. It must be in the best of interests of British society that British justice is seen to be done. I cannot see any ‘public interest’ in a trial collapsing because of insensitive and mis-guided journalism.

This suspect is presently innocent. The man is on record as having strenously denied any involvement in the Suffolk murders. Indeed, there are reports this evening that other prostitutes are unconvinced that the police have the right man. Whether this suspect is guilty or not misses the point. When a person (or persons) is charged with the murders of these unfortunate women he (they) should be allowed a fair trial. The ‘Fourth Estate’ has a responsibility to ensure that this happens. Part of the foundation of our society is the principle of innocent until proven guilty. We should cherish and defend that principle twenty-four hours a day.