It was shocking to read in the Oxford Mail (November 11) that Edward Wakelin is, according to the jury’s verdict, a victim himself of malicious slander. The slander has cost him his job and his standing in the community.
The story underlines another more serious problem. People should not have their names dragged through the mud on the mere say-so of others, whether guilty or not. We are all entitled to our good names until, and not before, a fair trial by jury. Otherwise we are all vulnerable to this sort of slander.
I’m surprised that there is no legislation protecting the accused’s identity.
J Breen, Finstock
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