To ask the Attorney General how many trials have been stopped in the last three years as a result of media coverage, in how many cases media coverage has been cited by the court as a reason for returning a not guilty verdict; and if he will list the cases. [38319]

There is no central record of cases coming within the criteria set out in the hon. Member's question. The two prosecuting authorities for which I have responsibility—Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office—have identified the following cases in which criminal proceedings have been stayed on the grounds of "abuse of process" because the court has held that media coverage has made a fair trial impossible.

Name	Date	Charge
Anthony Grunwell	June/July 1993: Snaresbrook Crown Court	Theft from motor vehicle
R. v. Reade, Morris and Woodwiss	15 October 1993: Central Criminal Court	Conspiracy to pervert the course of justice
R. v. Hassan and Caldori	24 July 1995: Isleworth Crown Court	Conspiracy to distribute counterfeit currency
R. v. Geoffrey Knights	24 October 1995: Harrow Crown Court	Causing grievous bodily harm
R. v. Zaheer and Others	11 October 1995: Harrow Crown Court	Violent disorder

The table is compiled from individual recollection and is not necessarily exhaustive.The inquiries referred to above have identified two cases where media coverage has been a factor, but not the only factor, in a decision to quash convictions. Those cases related to proceedings against Michelle Taylor and Lisa Taylor (11 June 1993) and Vincent Wood (6 July 1995).