Web threat to justice

We all by now know that the wonderful and productive power of the internet can at least be matched by its power to harm and hurt.

Cyber-bullying is something that has been on our radar for some time. We’ve moved on from a bloodied nose behind the bike sheds but the pain that well-chosen words can inflict on their victim is often even more damaging.

The added attraction for cyber bullies is obvious - they don’t have to run the risk of a return blow heading their way and can remain undercover of anonymity - the perfect place for a professional coward.

We have also seen hate campaigns waged on-line where reputations can be seriously battered. The only qualifications required for a successful on-line campaign appear to be a knowledge of the best place to post your messages and a screaming hatred of your target. An ability to tell the truth is not necessary.

This is all a serious worry for anyone still interested in the truth, respecting individuals’ privacy and mental assault, but last week my concerns over the deadly power of the internet rose to new levels when I read about the outcome of the Baby P court case.

Those responsible for the horrendous suffering, and eventual death, of Baby P were jailed, but, the BBC told us, those prison terms were put at risk by internet hate campaigns. Vigilante-style websites determined to name and shame the mother of Baby P and her boyfriend almost wrecked the trial. Their efforts to "out" the identities of the couple - who still cannot be named for legal reasons - could even have led to some of those responsible for Baby Peter's death receiving far lesser sentences than the ones they did.

The media still manages to just about stay on the right side of the sub judice laws. These are in place to protect an individual’s right to a fair trial, ensuring those sitting in judgement will not have had their views on the case coloured by what they may have seen and read about the defendant.

But what about the new self-styled anonymous crime commentators of the internet - who controls them? The danger they pose to one of the most fundamental elements of our society - our justice system - is real and has to be addressed... and quickly.

Jez