Prince George, B.C.- B.C. Supreme Court Justice Glen Parrett has made it very clear, he will not tolerate inaccurate reports from media, or reports which jeopardize the rights of an accused to a fair trial.

 

For the second time in a week, Justice Parrett chastised the media for inaccuracies which could have serious consequences. He said that when the media reports matters that are factually  incorrect, the reports   become “little more than random commentary.”

 

Specifically he was referring to the case of Cody Legebokoff who stands accused of four murders. Justice Parrett pointed to recent headlines which  he says may be sensational enough to attract readers, but are not accurate.  He said members of the media seem to think “using the word alleged can protect you from anything except kryptonite.”  He also pointed to two stories, one which appeared on HQPrince George, the other on CKPG news, which , through innuendo, put a cloud of doubt over the innocence of the accused. Justice Parrett reminded those in the courtroom that no matter what the charge, a person in this country is presumed innocent until found guilty and he would not tolerate the case being tried in the media.

 

While he has imposed a publication ban on the pre trial  hearings  until the jury returns with a verdict,  Justice Parrett has other options.   Those options include considering restricting or blocking certain media   from the court room, although he said he would invite the media to make submissions before rendering a final decision on that option, or if it is found inaccurate reporting is the sole reason for moving the trial to another community, he may order those media outlets to share at least a portion of the resulting costs.

 

“I warn each and every one of you, I will use any and all powers I have to ensure there is a fair trial in this matter.”

 

Justice Parrett says he remains very concerned about how the media will deal with this case no matter where the trial is ultimately held. 

 

While representatives from HQ and CKPG sat quietly and took their lumps, Justice Parrett concluded by saying he didn’t propose further action at this time “But none of you should take that as an indication I won’t do that in the future.”