A question of blackmail
Can anyone explain to me why the Royal victim of blackmail, and his employee, were given anonymity by the courts? Blackmail trials are fairly rare, so is this normal practice? Or were they given special protection because of the Royal links?
I'm all for protecting victims, but I sincerely hope this was not special treatment.
Of course, anyone interested has been able to google and find out the names for ages. And any viewer of 'Have I Got News for You' would have noticed the juxtaposition of questions at around the time when the story broke.
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Bernard Salmon
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on
02 May 2008
at
19:26
It is standard practice for the alleged victim in a case of blackmail to have their identity concealed. The thinking is that they could have their reputation destroyed if whatever it is they've been blackmailed about comes out - regardless of whether that thing is true or not.
Jo
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on
02 May 2008
at
19:57
I was intrigued by this issue too - I'm sure any ordinary member of the public is not protected in this way apart from children.
I can't think of any other instances...
I can't think of any other instances...
on
02 May 2008
at
21:40
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Thanks for the explanation, Bernard. I suppose that in most cases of blackmail the accusation is bound to be true, otherwise there would be no point in trying it on.
on
02 May 2008
at
21:42
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Of course, the famous precedent for Royal anonymity was Edward VIII when he was cited as co-respondent in Wallis Simpson's divorce.
on
06 May 2008
at
12:00
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Michael - thanks for the comment in which you named the Royal concerned. It is certainly the same name that I had found when the story first hit the headlines some weeks ago.
I don't fancy a spell in the Tower so will be cautious and not publish your comment for now.
I don't fancy a spell in the Tower so will be cautious and not publish your comment for now.
Michael
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on
12 May 2008
at
11:05
Hahaha, Fair enough!
To be honest a very minor Royal if you ask me, sells papers compared to man with Royal ties....!
To be honest a very minor Royal if you ask me, sells papers compared to man with Royal ties....!
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