Originally Posted by
tucumseh
As an aside - and I'm no legal person - why are Martin-Baker prohibited from speaking to potential witnesses under contempt of court rules, while MoD employees are allowed to give public lectures when the case is sub judice? Even if permitted, a strange thing to do given it admitted serious offences.
Crown employees
11 Although the Crown is bound by the general duties of the Act it cannot be prosecuted nor can it be served with improvement or prohibition notices (HSW Act s.48). (Though administrative sanctions, including Crown censure and Crown notices are available.) This immunity from formal enforcement applies to central government departments, and Crown bodies such as HM Prison Service, as well as to other organisations in specific circumstances, e.g. the Environment Agency when it is undertaking specific duties for the Minister. If you have any doubt about the status of an apparently 'crown' body then contact the Public Services Sector (Defence, Fire and Police Unit) for advice.
Prosecuting individuals - OC 130/08