Speculation and rumour

With the papers continuing to focus on the Jon Venables case,I think the Telegraph's leader this morning has got it just about spot on

Mr Straw has been right to resist the demands of the mob but he also allowed a dangerous vacuum to develop.

says its editorial

He chose, for reasons that he set out in the House of Commons yesterday, to say nothing; but in doing so he unleashed a frenzy of speculation, some accurate, some not, that might well have made matters worse.

Whatever the passions that this case arouses and let's not be in any doubt for good reasons,they are passions,Straw is right to defend the legal process.

Unfortunately in this 24 hour media world,it is increasingly difficult to prevent speculation,some of it accurate,others damaging to leak out.

It's an awful case and it gives the system of justice little room for manoeuvre