Witchfinding

This morning's news was filled with coverage of the fallout from the conviction of murderer Ian Huntley. People are mostly kicking up a stink about the fact that he managed to get a job at a school (as janitor) "despite past allegations of rape and underage sex," and that these allegations weren't brought up during the trial.

The problem I have with this coverage is this: Being accused of a crime is not, in itself, a crime.

Apparently he shouldn't have got a job like that anyway, since he was once actually convicted of theft or something, which makes the "police incompetence" issue no less pressing, but that's hardly ever mentioned on the news reports or articles; everyone's focussing on the unproven allegations. Plus, of course, after being accused of such things it is rather incriminating - one might say stupid - to then actively seek out work with children. Not actually criminal though.

I don't know, I'm no law expert, but it seems like bad reporting to me. Not to mention sensationalist. Any of my journo friends care to comment?

Oh ... and on a completely unrelated note ... RotK review (no spoilers)