HM Solicitor General v Mayfield

HM Solicitor General v Mayfield

The defendant deliberately breached a reporting restriction order and interfered with the administration of justice by posting Facebook content identifying protected witnesses and publishing prohibited photographs and video taken at court. Her conduct was wilful, hostile, and likely to undermine witness protection and confidence in the justice system, passing the custody threshold for contempt. Mitigating factors warranted suspension of the custodial sentence.

Parties
Claimant: Her Majesty’s Solicitor General; Defendant: Katie Mayfield
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 April 2021
Procedural Posture
Contempt of Court / Judgment
Outcome
Defendant found in contempt of court on both counts; custodial sentence imposed and suspended.
Legal Topics
Breach of Reporting Restriction Order, Interference With Administration of Justice, Publication of Prohibited Material, Anonymity of Witnesses
Criminal Law Contempt of Court Breach of Reporting Restriction Order Interference With Administration of Justice Publication of Prohibited Material Anonymity of Witnesses

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Parties

Her Majesty’s Solicitor General

Claimant

Katie Mayfield

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Contempt of Court / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant breached a reporting restriction order under s.46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
  2. 2 Whether the defendant interfered with the due administration of justice by taking and publishing photographs and video in court
  3. 3 Whether the contempt was sufficiently serious to warrant a custodial sentence

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant deliberately breached a reporting restriction order and interfered with the administration of justice by posting Facebook content identifying protected witnesses and publishing prohibited photographs and video taken at court. Her conduct was wilful, hostile, and likely to undermine witness protection and confidence in the justice system, passing the custody threshold for contempt. Mitigating factors warranted suspension of the custodial sentence.

Court Disposition

Defendant found in contempt of court on both counts; custodial sentence imposed and suspended.

Orders

  • Custodial sentence of 12 weeks on each count, to run concurrently, suspended for two years.
  • Condition: If defendant publishes any matter identifying Witness 1 or 2, or any previously posted photographs or images, within two years, suspension will be lifted and immediate custody may follow.