Newspaper requested to delete online version of today’s front page story

A Supreme Court Judge has directed a newspaper to delete the online version of today’s front page story, regarding police response to the Bourke Street massacre.

The Age was hauled before Judge Lex Lasry this morning to explain the article.

“His concern was that this case is difficult enough and a number of articles published this morning would distract a jury, which would be in panel within the next week to deal with Dimitrious Gargasoulas’s fitness to stand trial,” 3AW reporter Stefanie Waclawik told Neil from outside court.

“Justice Lex Lasry has requested them to remove the articles from online.”

Click PLAY to hear Stefanie’s report from outside court

Gargasoulas appeared in court via videolink.

The article remained on the The Age’s website for a further two hours but has now been removed.

Neil Mitchell said Victoria Police’s role and response to the Bourke St massacre needed examination.

But not until a fair trial had taken place.

“This goes to the credibility and performance of key parts of Victoria Police,” Neil said.

“The police handling of this must be forensically and independently, and that’s crucial, independently examined, assessed and reviewed.”

Click PLAY below to hear Neil’s full take

“I don’t want in any way to jeopardise any hearing about this case,” he said.

“A delay would hurt everybody.”

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