SOCIAL media users have been warned that comments made online about an alleged stabbing in Lydney could put any future trial at risk.

Gloucestershire Police have issued the warning after a flurry of online speculation about the incident.

Comments have been made on sites such as Facebook about an incident which happened in Hams Road near Lydney bus station and the skatepark.

A 22-year-old man suffered stab wounds to his stomach and neck in an alleged attack with a broken bottle.

Police say comments on social media could possibly ‘impede’ the course of justice and could constitute the offence of contempt of court – which carries a potential jail sentence.

A 19-year-old woman, from Lydney, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has since been released on bail until July 15.

Although the victim’s injuries were initially thought to be serious he was released from Southmead hospital, in Bristol, a day later.

According to Attorney General’s guidance to social media users in relation to contempt of court, prejudice happens when someone deciding a case leans unfairly towards one side.

Prejudice can, and has, stopped trials from going ahead as the defendant can’t get a fair trial.

Examples of prejudicial material might be postings that attack the character of the defendant or which reveal details of previous con-

victions.

It advises users to think before sending a tweet or updating a Facebook page, ‘could this be prejudicial?’

Anyone who publishes an article or commentary that seriously risks someone’s right to a fair trial could find themselves in trouble with the law.

In 2012 nine people were prosecuted for posting the name of a rape victim online.

They claimed they did not know it was a criminal offence to name the victim of a sexual offence but ignorance of the law is no defence.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “As criminal proceedings are ongoing in this case everyone is urged to be careful when commenting on the story. This includes commenting via all forms of social media.

“Any remarks that are prejudicial to the outcome of an ongoing court case and could possibly impede the course of justice may constitute the offence of contempt of court.”

Police are calling for witnesses to come forward and believe that passengers at the bus station may have seen the incident.

Anyone with information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, is urged to call 101 quoting incident number 449 of May 10.