Sir Jeffrey resigned from the party leadership after being charged with one count of rape, one count of gross indecency and several counts of indecent assault. His wife Eleanor has been charged with aiding and abetting offences.

He is due to appear in court in Newry on Wednesday 24 April.

A statement issued on behalf of Attorney General Brenda King “advises the public as well as media outlets to think about potential consequences before publishing, posting or sharing commentary, online or otherwise”.

It goes on to “remind the public and the media of the risk of any person publishing, posting or sharing material being found to be in contempt of court. Those commenting should consider the provisions of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.”

New guidance on social media and contempt of court was published by the Attorney General in January.

The statement adds: “The PSNI has already highlighted the separate statutory requirements to protect the anonymity of any person against whom certain sexual offences, including rape, are alleged to have been committed. The relevant legislation is the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.”