Image suppression for murder accused ends

Radio New Zealand journalist Phillip Cottrell was murdered while walking home. Photo / File

Media can now publish the photo of one of the teenagers accused of murdering a Radio New Zealand reporter.

Phillip Cottrell died after he was beaten while he was walking home from an overnight shift at the radio station, in central Wellington last year.

He died the following day in hospital surrounded by close friends and family.

Manuel Robinson, now 18, appeared with his co-accused, 19-year-old Nicho Allan Waipuka, for a pre-trial hearing at the High Court in Wellington today.

Justice Forrest Miller ruled that suppression around Robinson's photo had ended.

His lawyer, Mike Antunovic, argued that if the teenager's photo was published in the media, it would result in severe hardship.

"It could stop him going to work which is the only relief he has from a 24 hour curfew," he said.

Robinson works in his family's drycleaning business and is in constant contact with members of the public.

Mr Antunovic said if his photo was published customers might recognise him, which could force him to stop coming to work.

"There's no need for the public to see a photo in the paper."

He said if Robinson was recognised by members of the public as one of the people accused of killing Mr Cottrell, he might be too scared to go anywhere.

But Justice Miller said because Robinson's name had been published there was no point in continuing with a ban on his image being published.

He reserved his decision on a number of arguments over witness evidence that would be allowed during the trial, which is due to begin in December.

- APNZ