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Media Release - 27 January 2009 - Theo Theophanous

The Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Jeremy Rapke QC, today urged media outlets to exercise caution in the manner in which they report the events and issues relating to the charging of Mr Theo Theophanous with rape.

Mr Rapke said "Following the publication of an article in the Sunday Age on 25 January, it is appropriate that I remind all media outlets that the case in question is now before the courts and the reporting of any aspect of the case which may prejudice the future conduct of a fair trial, would constitute contempt of court and would be prosecuted accordingly".

"It is vital to ensure that justice is done in this case, as indeed in all criminal cases. That can best be achieved by avoiding publishing material which is capable of improperly prejudicing a jury or otherwise creating an atmosphere in which a fair and dispassionate consideration of the evidence becomes more difficult".

"I am presently considering whether any publications which have occurred already may constitute a contempt of court", he said.

Any queries should be directed to the Office of Public Prosecutions Media Liaison Unit.