Heiress would suffer from being named - lawyer

A woman from a well-known and wealthy Auckland family who is facing drugs charges will appeal a court order allowing her name to be published.

The woman, aged in her 20s, argued in Waitakere District Court today that publication of her name would affect her health and her family members.

Her lawyer Mark Ryan also said police had a very weak case on charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply and having drug utensils and cannabis in her possession.

Mr Ryan said he was confident the woman would be acquitted but the stigma of the charges would remain.

He also argued it could affect her right to a fair trial.

Judge Philip Recordon disagreed. He said Law Commission research had shown that publication of a defendant's name had very little effect on the ability of a jury to fairly try someone.

However, he delayed publication of the woman's name until 4pm on Monday to allow Mr Ryan to file a High Court appeal.

- NZPA