'Sharing information online may risk justice being served' police say after shooting of Shanice Brookes
It comes as two suspects have appeared in court
Police are asking the public to avoid speculating about the details of a Sheffield mum’s tragic death as it could risk disrupting justice being served.
Two people charged with the murder of Shanice Brookes had their first appearance at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, with a trial date set for January 2027 and no pleas entered at this time.
However, as the city mourns the loss of 30-year-old mum Shanice, police have warned that members of the public must not speculate online.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, said: "We fully understand the strong public interest in this case and recognise many people want to understand how Shanice tragically came to lose her life in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.
"We appreciate that, in modern society, people routinely communicate and share information through social media and other online platforms including when incidents like this happen.
“While social media can assist investigations, such as through appeals for information, when a criminal case is active, public discussion, speculation and the sharing of information can create risks to the integrity of future court proceedings.”
News organisations are monitored by standards organisations like IPSO and Ofcom, however these bodies have limited authority over social media channels.
Nevertheless, they can fall foul of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, as part of which it is possible to punish anyone - through fines and on occasion, custody - who publishes anything that creates “a substantial risk of serious prejudice.”
This means accusations of further crimes, or viral content that condemns suspects as guilty before a plea or trial, could be a criminal offence.
At worst, it may also mean that court proceedings could be dropped if it is deemed impossible to conduct a fair trial.
Only details stated in court are safe in public coverage ahead of any conviction.
"We have arrested and charged two individuals in connection to the incident in which Shanice very sadly died,” DI Bolger added.
“This means the criminal case is ‘active’ under the Contempt of Court Act and therefore, in simple terms, it is against the law to publish anything which could prejudice a future jury and prevent a fair trial.
"With this in mind, we would ask the public to avoid speculating and posting information online about this case, and those charged, while the legal process takes it course. Our priority is, and always has been, to secure justice for Shanice and her loved ones.
“Protecting the integrity of the criminal justice process is crucial to this and while people may have good intentions, those sharing information online may potentially be risking this justice being served."