R v O

[2018] NZHC 2911

IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND NEW PLYMOUTH REGISTRY

I TE KŌTI MATUA O AOTEAROA NGĀMOTU ROHE

CRI-2013-043-002029

[2018] NZHC 2911

THE QUEEN

v

O and D

(On the papers)

Judgment: 9 November 2018

JUDGMENT OF COLLINS J

[1]    Ms Coster, from the news organisation Stuff, has applied to obtain copies of my reasons for granting suppression to Mr O and Mr D in relation to their trial in late 2014. The application was made because Mr O has recently been selected for a national sports team and because Ms Coster wishes to fully understand the basis of my suppression orders.

[2]    I sought submissions from counsel for Mr O and Mr D. They both opposed the application by Ms Coster, primarily on the basis that the application was merely a veiled attempt to determine whether or not there would be grounds for appealing my suppression judgments.

[3]    As intimated in my minute of 1 November 2018, I will grant Ms Coster’s application for the following reasons:

R v O [2018] NZHC 2911 [9 November 2018]

(1)My reasons for suppressing publication of the names and identifying features of Mr O and Mr D were made available to the media at the time those decisions were delivered.

(2)Ms Coster is aware that nothing may be published that breaches the suppression orders.

(3)It is appropriate the Court’s reasons for the suppression orders be properly understood by Ms Coster.

[4]    Accordingly, my reasons for granting suppression to Mr O and Mr D may be made available to Ms Coster.

D B Collins J

Solicitors:

Crown Solicitor, New Plymouth