Tim Westwood

[phil old leake]

I’ve just been watching a BBC documentary about Westwood and his alleged offending

It was basically trial by TV/Media

I personally think that there is too much of this going on.

Before anyone jumps on me I’m not defending him or making any pleas about his conduct or innocence  I just feel that we are getting to situations where high profile offenders are put on trial before they’re tried

In my view it taints the whole situation and shouldn’t be allowed to be broadcast until after any trial if there is one.

Just a personal opinion

[SydneyRover]

That's one of the reasons why Leveson 2 should have proceeded phil to investigate and break the links between police and the media.

[mugnapper]

They did a big feature on this on the News at One and I said the same thing Phil.
How does the guy get a fair trial when there’s a TV programme available on Catch Up detailing lots of evidence for the Prosecution and nothing for the defence?
Probably the Beeb getting their revulsion in early, unlike the previous abusers they employed.

[SydneyRover]

I see your point, already the facts are getting twisted

''Although none of the allegations relate to incidents that took place on BBC premises, several women suggest the presenter used his position as the highly influential host of the Radio 1 Rap Show to approach them''

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/apr/27/tim-westwood-sexual-misconduct-claims-put-bbc-safeguarding-under-fresh-scrutiny

[phil old leake]

He probably did use and abuse his position. My point is that it seems the norm now for everything to be aired on tv and social media

In my view it’s just not right. Guilty or innocent he is entitled to a fair trial

I am not supporting Westwood in any way but he and others should not be pre judged by the media

If this goes to trial the pressure is on the jury now and the defence will be in a position of proving his innocence rather than the prosecution proving his guilt

[SydneyRover]

I don't know how you stop it phil, unless you ban reporting till the trial? more witnesses may come forward with publicity as with the me too movement. With the massive delays in the court system getting longer most will have forgotten by the time any court appearance occurs.

[wilts rover]

I’ve just been watching a BBC documentary about Westwood and his alleged offending

It was basically trial by TV/Media

I personally think that there is too much of this going on.

Before anyone jumps on me I’m not defending him or making any pleas about his conduct or innocence  I just feel that we are getting to situations where high profile offenders are put on trial before they’re tried

In my view it taints the whole situation and shouldn’t be allowed to be broadcast until after any trial if there is one.

Just a personal opinion

Yet you were quite happy to offer your views on the Colston 4 and what should happen to them in their trial - that yoou had only seen on the media?

Like the Colston 4 Westwood will be tried on the evidence presented in court. Anyone who stands for the jury will be asked if they have seen this programme and if they have they wont be allowed on the trial.

I didn't watch it and have no particular interest in Westwood btw - but he will get a fair trial as have other high profile people for 100's of years.

[BillyStubbsTears]

Phil.

By the same token, I assume that you think the folk in here who are convinced that Starmer broke lockdown laws because of what they have seen in the media, are wrong?

[phil old leake]

Wilts the difference with the Colston 4 was there was tv footage of anti social behaviour being reported as it occurred.

My views on the trial were based around the final verdict. I still stand by it

I don’t think that prior to trial the 4 accused were named and there history laid out for all to see

People will disagree with my view on this but it’s done on a too regular basis for tv glorification

I’m not saying he shouldn’t be named I would expect that

Look at the Paul Gambaccini case.  Similar thing. Publicised all over the media and reported as a sex offender and then after all the publicity and character assassination he was cleared. 

[phil old leake]

Billy where’s the connection.

The press have reported a photograph of an event and he’s been asked about it

It is different.  There hasn’t been some kind of character assassination of Starmer that’s likely to send him to prison

[wilts rover]

Wilts the difference with the Colston 4 was there was tv footage of anti social behaviour being reported as it occurred.

My views on the trial were based around the final verdict. I still stand by it

I don’t think that prior to trial the 4 accused were named and there history laid out for all to see

People will disagree with my view on this but it’s done on a too regular basis for tv glorification

I’m not saying he shouldn’t be named I would expect that

Look at the Paul Gambaccini case.  Similar thing. Publicised all over the media and reported as a sex offender and then after all the publicity and character assassination he was cleared. 

Not really Phil, it was trial by media - you can't say the media should report one thing and then not another. Or are you saying if you are rich and famous you should be protected - but if you are ordinary member of the public you can be judged by tv. That's how Savile got away with his crimes for so long.

And Gambaccini proves my point. Despite what was in the media there was no actual strong evidence. He got a fai trial and was acquited. Rolf Harris, Stewart Hall etc, didn't - because they were guilty.

Westwood will be tried on the evidence presented in court. As any of us should be.

[phil old leake]

Wilts your view differs to mine and none of the points about wealth you make are relevant to the point I’m making

I don’t think the Colston 4 were treated the same as this and others but that’s my view you obviously differ