Government praises ‘vital role’ of media in reporting riot-related convictions

Justice minister Heidi Alexander thanked the media for ensuring the public ‘sees and hears about justice being done’.

Police officers detaining a person during an anti-immigration protest in Blackpool (PA) (PA Wire)

The Government has praised the “vital role” of the media in reporting the arrest and convictions of those involved in violent disorder.

Some 80 adults have so far been sentenced following violent unrest which broke out in parts of the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbings at the end of July.

Specific charges have varied across cases but have included violent disorder, affray during a protest, racially aggravated intentional harassment, as well as publishing written material to stir up racial hatred.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the “robust and swift response” of the criminal justice system, which he said “sent a very powerful message” to those considering getting involved in further disorder.

In an open letter published on Thursday, justice minister Heidi Alexander thanked the media for ensuring the public “sees and hears about justice being done”.

She said: “I want to acknowledge and thank you and your colleagues in the media for the vital role you have played in recent weeks in upholding the principles of open justice and transparency.

“It’s important – now more than ever – that justice is not only being done, but that the public sees and hears about justice being done; that crime leads to punishment and that the consequences of criminal activity will apply, in spite of any wider challenges we face across the justice system.

“I’m fully aware of the unfailing work that goes on behind the scenes of every news story, as court reporters follow cases through the system, attend and observe court hearings in person or online, request and verify details before independently and accurately reporting court business, in real time, often to very tight deadlines.”

Convictions and sentencing of people allegedly involved with riots is set to continue in the coming weeks, with suspects across the country potentially facing more serious charges after a 15-year-old boy became the first person to be charged with riot on Thursday.

Rioting is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of a charge of violent disorder.