It is up to the media to decide what it reports from court cases, Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said.

He was replying to a Tynwald question from Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew). asking why the names and those accused of benefit fraud were released to the media ’prior to a trial beginning’.

He called for reforms so that names would be ’released’ nonly if a defendant were found guilty.

But Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said the Treasury did not release the names.

’Such information may come into the wider public domain during court proceedings, where it is common for journalists to be present,’ he said.

’As is the case in relation to any court proceedings, it is for the media to decide what they wish to report, subject to any directions or limitations given by the court.’

Many court cases can involve several appearances before a matter proceeds to a trial, or a conviction is recorded. Apart from some specific and rare exceptions, all such court appearances take place in public.

Editor’s note: For summary courts (magistrates and Deputy High Bailiff, which would deal with benefit fraud cases) reporters do not get advanced notice of the names of those appearing before the court.

Once defendants are in court, their names are in the public domain. Members of the public can attend those cases and hear the evidence.