Minors cannot be identified.
An Garda Síochána has issued a reminder to the public about the laws surrounding sharing images of children who have been involved in court proceedings.
The reminder comes following the conclusion of a trial in the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday, in which two 14-year-old boys were convicted of murdering schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel.
Both boys had pleaded not guilty to the charges and they cannot be identified because they are minors.
In a statement on Wednesday, An Garda Síochána said it would like to remind members of the public in relation to the anonymity of a child in court proceedings and the sharing of images of children who have appeared before the Criminal Courts and the legislation pertaining to same.
Gardaí warned the public to be mindful of the Children Act 2001, which covers children and the Criminal Justice System, which states in section 252(1) (b): “No picture which purports to be or include a picture of the child or which is likely to lead to his or her identification, shall be published or included in a broadcast.”
According to the act, any person who is in contravention of the legislation shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable:
- On summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €1,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or
- On conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both.
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