The publisher of a Glasgow-based publication is considering a “number of different avenues” as he considers how to fight a ban on his title reporting from inside Glasgow Sheriff Court.
James Cruikshank, who publishes a local independent magazine for Glasgow called The Digger, has had a consultation with leading media lawyer Peter Watson and they are considering their options.
The Digger was banned from Glasgow Sheriff Court by Sheriff Bowen after issue 47 of The Digger ran a headline that described Bowen as a liar who was being manipulated by senior officials in the Crown Office and legal profession. The issue also carried an image of Sheriff Bowen with a nose like Pinocchio. However, Sheriff Bowen alleges that the publication of a picture of murderer Robert O’Hara’s eight-year old daughter was one of the reasons for the ban.
Since the ban Cruikshank can still enter Glasgow Sheriff Court, however he claimed to The Firm that he is constantly harassed by security guards and court clerks, frisked and regularly asked for identification or to leave the premises.
As The Firm went to press Cruikshank was remaining tight-lipped about how he plans to fight the imposed ban and fears that money may mean he cannot fight the Crown Office on a level playing field.