556. Restricting the publication and broadcast of derogatory assertions.

A 'derogatory assertions order' is an order restricting the publication or broadcasting of a false or irrelevant assertion made pursuant to the sentencing process which is derogatory to a person's character1. The effect of the order is that at any time when the order has effect the assertion must not be published in Great Britain in a written publication available to the public or be included in a relevant programme for reception in Great Britain2. A derogatory assertions order cannot be made in relation to an assertion if it appears to the court that the assertion was previously made