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Former Senator Stuart Syvret appeared in Jersey's Magistrate's Court today after failing to attend yesterday.
He was due to appear on an outstanding contempt of court charge. Mr Syvret said he was under the understanding that he was exempt from appearing, considering his pending appeal. A warrant for his arrest was issued as a result, which has been dropped following his appearance today.
The case has now been adjourned for two months pending his appeal. A directions hearing is to take place in March under Sir Christopher Pitchers.
The Appeal:
Stuart Syvret is appealing the outcome of his data protection trial last year. He was found guilty of two data protection charges relating to a posting on his blog in March 2009 that included parts of a confidential police report into suspicions that a nurse at the General Hospital might be murdering patients.
The court found that his naming of the nurse had been neither in the public interest or in the interest of the detection or prevention of crime.
During the trial he also incurred three contempt of court charges, for which he was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison. He was also fined a total of £4,200 and ordered to pay a £10,000 contribution towards the cost of the prosecution. He was released on bail the following day pending his appeal.
The Order of Justice:
Another directions hearing, relating to his Order of Justice is due to take place under Jonathan Sumption QC on Wednesday.
In his Order of Justice Mr Syvret is suing the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers, The States Employment Board and the Attorney General for the processes that led to what he claims was an unfair dismissal from his role of Minister for Health and Social Services in 2007.
Former Senator appears in court