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Media Release - 1 November 2007 - Wayne Geoffrey Strawhorn

Wayne Strawhorn is a former Victorian police office who stood trial for various offences in the Victorian Supreme Court during 2006. At that trial, Mr Strawhorn was convicted of certain offences. An appeal against those convictions is pending in the Victorian Court of Appeal.

In relation to Count One at the trial, the jury failed to agree on a verdict and a retrial is thus pending on that count.

Both in relation to the pending retrial upon Count One, and any retrial which may arise out of Mr Strawhorn’s appeal, it is essential that Mr Strawhorn’s right to a fair trial, untainted by prejudicial publicity, be preserved.

The Acting Director is aware that in recent weeks, various media outlets have published or broadcast material which may be adverse to Mr Strawhorn and which might have the capacity to prejudice any future trial of Mr Strawhorn.

Accordingly, the Acting Director reminds all media outlets that material should not be published or broadcast which might adversely affect Mr Strawhorn’s right to a fair trial. Media outlets are also reminded that the publication of prejudicial material in relation to a matter which is subjudice constitutes contempt of Court.

Any enquiries in relation to this Media Release may be directed to the OPP Media Liaison Unit.