The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding police inspector Jim Tyner has issued a warning about ‘naming and shaming’ on websites.
It follows the case of neglected dog Star and the clamour by website posters for the owner to be punished.
He said: “It’s dangerous to name wrongdoers on social media as it may prevent a fair trial.
“And a person admitting something on social media is not the same as an admission under caution during a formal interview.
“How do we know it truly is the person involved, who else has access, etc
“Social media has great value for sharing information, but it should be used responsibly. Anyone discussing an ongoing court case, for example, may be in contempt of court.”
Insp Tyner (pictured) has been praised for his approach to social media with police work.
Read about Star’s story here.
Fair trial, on going court case? Don’t make me laugh. None happening in this case and chances were there would be none from the outset. If powers to be did more to bring offenders to justice the public wouldn’t have to resort to naming and shaming.