Justice Holdip warns TV news stations

“Editors must ensure that reports received reflect what happens in court,” the judge said yesterday. His advice to the media came after complaints were made by the prosecution and defence about television newscasts carried the night before relating to the testimony of Naipaul-Coolman’s husband Rennie Coolman.

Coolman admitted on Monday that he paid $75,000 to a woman who pretended to be from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure he would not be charged with his wife’s murder. He said the reports were likely to bring the Office of the DPP and its office holder into disrepute.

The judge said if the information was true then it appeared that the television news stations clearly stepped out of line. He said the contemptuous statement suggested in the reports was “so far away from the truth.”

Holdip said he intends to have requested copies of the newscasts following which steps will be taken to offer a proper apology and retraction.

He said the deleterious effects of newscasts which cast incorrect aspersions were untold of in a country like Trinidad and Tobago. Holdip also warned that incorrect reporting could lead to further action, either criminal or civil and the contents of the remarks can amount to contempt of court.

“We must enquire and ensure that this (incorrect reporting) doesn’t happen and impose strict sanctions for infractions,” he said.