Hain ‘Astonished’ by Decision Not To Repeal Scandalising The Court Offence

Peter Hain says he is “astonished” that Justice Minister David Ford has spurned a chance to have the ancient offence of scandalising the court repealed.

A review is under way in England and Wales.

It follows a case earlier this year in which it was used against the former Northern Ireland secretary.

NI’s Attorney General John Larkin decided to charge Mr Hain over remarks he made about a High Court judge in his autobiography.

Mr Larkin’s move prompted 120 MPs to sign a motion backing the veteran Labour politician.

The Law Commission has been consulting in England and Wales to see if the ancient offence should be struck from the books.

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