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Director of Channel 4's controversial ‘The Murder Trial’ says show boosts chances of cameras in court

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By Steven Raeburn, N/A

July 8, 2013 | 2 min read

The director of the controversial documentary, “The Murder Trial”, which gained unprecedented access to film and broadcast a criminal trial for the first time in the UK, has denied that the programme will hinder the prospects of bringing cameras to court proceedings on a regular basis.

Nat Fraser was convicted of murdering Arlene Fraser

Nick Holt said the film would examine the concept of open justice and give the public confidence in the system.

He spoke to The Drum after a preview screening of the film for contributors and the media this morning.

“Documentaries won't hinder cameras in court,” he told The Drum.

“This is an opportunity for the public to understand open justice looks like in practice.

“We can move away from what the public see now, like dramatic reconstructions, towards very thorough examinations of what open justice looks like.

“The documentary should provide people confidence in their criminal justice system and make them ask, ‘Why haven't I seen this before?’”

The film was the fruit of three years of negotiation with the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland, the Crown Office and the participants in the trial.

It shows Nat Fraser’s trial on the charge of murder of his wife Arlene Fraser. Fraser was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He has lodged an appeal which is due to be heard in September.

The programme will be broadcast tomorrow night.

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