The death of Jacintha Saldanha at the virtual hands of Mel Grieg and Michael Christian

Australian DJs, Mel Grieg and Michael Christian should be considered murderers. They are the pranksters who called the King Edward VII hospital, impersonating the Queen and Prince Charles, seeking private information, on the health of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate. The nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, who first took that call and put it through, has been found dead. The implication is, of course, that she committed suicide, although no details have yet been released.

I realize that the law is silent on this kind of situation. I view it in moral terms. Mel Grieg and Michael Christian, committed an immoral act – that of impersonating the Queen and Prince Charles, to gain access to private information about a public figure and member of the Royal household. That is clearly wrong in so many ways. They knew this when they planned it and carried it out. They saw this as a “joke”, something to be laughed at – but it has had the consequence of the death of a well-regarded nurse. Since the nurse’s death is a direct consequence of their actions, I feel they should be charged with some variety of murder, however such things are framed in Australian law. They should pay for their moral crime, with a real prison sentence – anything less would, itself, be immoral, for it would say that it is OK to shame someone to death – which is what they did to this nurse.

Mel Grieg and Michael Christian acted without forethought as to the consequences of their act – but nevertheless, they should have to pay for those consequences.

Were it my decision to make, I would have Mel Grieg and Michael Christian charged with murder, or manslaughter and prosecuted.

I expect, however, that they will get away with a period of public shame (ironically) followed by a resumption of their show (which has been taken off the air, at present). As for that – it is clear that they should never be allowed to be on air, again – for being a broadcaster of any kind is a responsibility they are not fit for.

I would also welcome a civil case for damages from Jacintha Saldanha’s family against Mel Grieg and Michael Christian. Perhaps while mulling their loss of personal fortune, along with personal freedom, behind bars, Grieg and Christian (whose behaviour wasn’t very Christian at all), might come to understand the reasons why moral conduct is considered preferable and how much harm immoral conduct can do.

Posted by Valentine Cawley

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