A candidate in the upcoming local body election accused of assault has lost name suppression and can now be revealed as former policeman Stuart McLachlan.
McLachlan is running for Napier City Council in the October elections.
He appeared in Hastings District Court today and argued for name suppression on the basis the publication of the name would cause undue hardship.
Hawke's Bay Today Deputy Editor Mark Story was present in court to oppose the suppression after Judge Bridget Mackintosh would not accept his submissions last week.
McLachlan has been accused of assaulting a lotto shop worker in March of this year.