Communications: Judge allows reporters to use Twitter

More reports and background on Stephen Griffiths

It is thought to be the first time that a judge has permitted this in practice since the Lord Chief Justice issued a direction on the subject on Monday.

As the case in Leeds Crown Court began Mr Justice Openshaw made an order after he was asked by the press about "Tweeting" from court.

In a written direction he said that, subject to normal rules banning photos and sound recording: "The use of live, text-based communications by way of unobtrusive, handheld and virtually noiseless equipment to enable the press to produce fair and accurate reports of the proceedings is permitted, provided that their use does not disturb, disrupt or interfere with the orderly conduct of the proceedings."

The Lord Chief Justice issued an interim practice direction on Monday following the appearance of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange before magistrates in London last week.

The announcement that he would be giving the guidance was made last Thursday – hours after supporters of Mr Assange were banned from posting updates from court while a High Court judge decided whether he should be granted bail.