What possibilities could this ruling have for our industry over here? Okay, what he wrote was icky but the judge's general ruling is interesting for us. It is the bit about the material only being found by those directly looking for it that sparked my attention.
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Man cleared over Girls Aloud blog
A former civil servant who wrote an internet article imagining the kidnap, rape and murder of the pop group Girls Aloud has been cleared of obscenity.
Darryn Walker, 35, faced prosecution after writing a 12-page blog on a fantasy pornography site.
But Mr Walker, of South Shields, Tyneside, walked free from Newcastle Crown Court after he was cleared of any crime.
The Crown Prosecution Service took action, believing that the group's young fans could easily have stumbled across it while searching the internet for material about the band.
But a report for the defence by an information technology expert found the article was not easily accessible, and could only be discovered by those looking for such specific material.
Mr Walker, of Mowbray Street, who wore a smart grey suit, said only: "No comment" as he left court.
Tim Owen QC, defending, expressed Mr Walker's relief and gratitude to the CPS for reviewing the case.
"The effect of this prosecution on Mr Walker has been devastating," he said.
"He has lost his job and has not managed to get further employment.
"Hopefully he can now recommence his life."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/8582636
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Man cleared over Girls Aloud blog
A former civil servant who wrote an internet article imagining the kidnap, rape and murder of the pop group Girls Aloud has been cleared of obscenity.
Darryn Walker, 35, faced prosecution after writing a 12-page blog on a fantasy pornography site.
But Mr Walker, of South Shields, Tyneside, walked free from Newcastle Crown Court after he was cleared of any crime.
The Crown Prosecution Service took action, believing that the group's young fans could easily have stumbled across it while searching the internet for material about the band.
But a report for the defence by an information technology expert found the article was not easily accessible, and could only be discovered by those looking for such specific material.
Mr Walker, of Mowbray Street, who wore a smart grey suit, said only: "No comment" as he left court.
Tim Owen QC, defending, expressed Mr Walker's relief and gratitude to the CPS for reviewing the case.
"The effect of this prosecution on Mr Walker has been devastating," he said.
"He has lost his job and has not managed to get further employment.
"Hopefully he can now recommence his life."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/8582636
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