KEY POINTS:
A man accused of illegally keeping a cache of explosives and military-style weapons has failed to keep his job with a symphony orchestra secret.
Bernard David Shapiro, 36, a French-horn player for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, is waiting to hear the result of charges against him for possessing items that allegedly included eight sticks of explosive, two military flares, a smoke grenade, a thunderflash, a practice anti-personnel mine and two converted military-style semi-automatic rifles.
He faced three charges under the Arms Act when he was tried in the Christchurch District Court last month. Shapiro, a military enthusiast, claimed he was storing the items for a friend and did not know they were illegal.
A judge is still to deliver his written decision in the case.
In the meantime, Shapiro had sought to have the orchestra's name suppressed to prevent its image being further tarnished by publicity connected to his case. In a sworn statement, Shapiro said publicity last year when the case first arose had had "very negative consequences" for the orchestra.
"In particular I am aware that critical sponsors have complained to the chief executive officer, Mr Murray Shaw. I am very conscious of the fact that the orchestra relies heavily upon sponsorship deals for its survival and that the publicity in relation to my case, linking me to the orchestra, is placing real strains on both the relationship between the sponsors and [the orchestra], and of course my own personal relationship with my employer."
In a letter supporting the suppression bid, Mr Shaw reaffirmed the orchestra's support for Shapiro, but said he believed the publicity has "potential to damage the relationship" with principal sponsor, AMI Insurance".
After failing to get suppression of his employer in the district and high courts, Shapiro appealed to the Court of Appeal.
Taking into account that the orchestra had already been mentioned in publicity last year, and that the orchestra is not linked to the case against Shapiro, the court dismissed his appeal.
