A 38-YEAR-OLD woman who took a photo of an advocate’s computer screen during a court hearing has been found guilty of contempt of court.
Georgina Louise Bellot admitted the offence and was sentenced to three days in prison – with the sentence suspended for a year.
The Royal Court heard that the incident occurred during a case there on 13 January.
Bellot, who was in the public gallery, could see one of the advocates’ laptop screens and said she believed the lawyer was surfing the web rather than being engaged in the proceedings.
She took a photo of the advocate’s screen on her mobile phone and showed it to a member of the court staff.
However, photography is banned in court, with signs at the entrance reminding visitors that mobile phones should either be switched off or placed on silent mode during proceedings, and that their use is prohibited. Court ushers also repeat the warning at the start of the day.
Crown Advocate Luke Sette, prosecuting, said: “She did not recall seeing the signs or remember hearing the warning.”
He added that the taking of the photo had not interfered with the case and recommended a fine of £200.
Advocate Nicholas Mière, defending, said that the photo had been deleted immediately.
He added: “There was never any intention to publish it. She is not on social media.”
Deputy Bailiff Anthony Olsen accepted the sentence recommended by the prosecution. But the Jurats opted for a suspended prison sentence. Mr Olsen was sitting with Jurats Kim Averty and David Le Heuzé.
