Seven News has been ordered to pay a $100,000 fine for causing a mistrial in South Australia following a story broadcast in early 2023.
Adelaide Now reports in September 2023, the Registrar of the District Court alleged Seven had committed a contempt of court after linking an accused man’s rape trial – which was underway before a jury – with other charges he had once faced, but had since been dropped by prosecutors.
Seven’s report began by saying: “Seven News can tonight reveal bombshell sex crime charges against a man previously accused of a notorious city gang rape”.
But the dropped charges had never been presented as evidence to the jury and were therefore deemed prejudicial, resulting in the mistrial.
Legal representatives for Seven appeared in the District Court on Tuesday in front of Judge Rauf Soulio after earlier admitting it committed a contempt of court.
“I indicate at the outset that I find that – within the meaning of the authorities – the contempt was a wilful contempt,” Judge Soulio said.
“But, I accept that it was a contempt without any intention of interfering or obstructing the course of justice.
“It appears that there was not a sufficient appreciation in the manner in which the story was constructed of the potential to interfere with the course of justice. As I’ve said, I accept that was not deliberate – however, it was incumbent upon the respondent (Seven News) to have a regard to that prospect and to take steps to avoid that possibility.”
Judge Soulio also noted there ‘inadequate pixelation efforts’ for the accused man’s face in the broadcast, leaving the potential for the jury to identify him.
A Seven spokesperson said it accepted the court’s finding, noting, “Seven News endeavours to take every step to ensure its reporting is fair, appropriate and meets the high standards it has set over many years. Seven News will continue to work hard to tell South Australia’s stories and bring news to our audience that is relevant and informative.”
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