DOMESTIC ABUSER FILMED TRIAL AND POSTED IT ON TIKTOK, FINED FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT
A domestic abuser named Andrejs Romanovs, aged 38, who is a courier driver, was convicted of contempt of court for filming his own trial and posting it on TikTok.Romanovs had previously been involved in a pattern of abusive behavior towards his ex-partner, which included shouting, swearing, damaging property, throwing a phone, withholding child benefits, and repeatedly harassing her by turning up at her home, sending abusive messages, and making threats.
A three-year non-harassment order was also issued against him.
During the trial, Romanovs secretly recorded the proceedings, which included videos of his ex giving evidence, and added Latvian music before sharing the footage online.
The court, led by Sheriff Andrew Miller, emphasized that the courts are not places of entertainment and that such conduct is a serious contempt of court.
Romanovs was ordered to pay a fine of £420 and was sentenced to 240 hours of unpaid work, serving as an alternative to custody.
The sheriff stated that the act of recording and posting court proceedings on social media could intimidate witnesses and deter others from participating in court processes, thus undermining the justice system.
The incident caused concern when Romanovs’ ex was sent a link to the video, which led to his arrest and prosecution.
The court underscored that it is unlawful to record court proceedings without permission and that courts are public spaces meant for observing justice, not for social media dissemination.
