A DJ from Preston's Rock FM dodged a prison sentence after declaring on live radio that Harold Shipman was 'innocent until proved as guilty as sin'.

Mark Kaye, a drivetime DJ, made the comments on the 38th day of the Shipman trial. Traffic girl Judith Vause was heard in the background shouting 'guilty'.

After listening to a tape of Kaye's drivetime show from November 30, judge Mr Justice Forbes, told the two: "My view is that the broadcast was calculated to prejudice the fairness of this trial and that it was deliberate and the words themselves made it quite clear.

"That, in my view, is a blatant contempt of court."

He said at the end of his statement that it was only the quality of the management of Rock FM which had stopped him referring Kaye and Vause to the Attorney General in order to investigate contempt of court proceedings.

Both were suspended from duty by Rock FM managing director, Michelle Surrell after the broadcast was reported to the court.

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