Louise Nicholas supporter faces charges

At least one of the people involved in the distribution of suppressed information about the Louise Nicholas police rape trial is to be charged.

Leaflets containing suppressed information were distributed in Christchurch's Cathedral Square in April.

The protest then moved to the police station, where - in a controversial move - Canterbury District Commander Sandra Manderson came out to greet the protestors.

Activist Daniel Rae said he was approached by police this week, who indicated charges would be laid over the distribution of the suppressed material.

Rae said he was preparing to challenge the charges.

Meanwhile, it has now been made public that one of the reasons why the information was supposed to be suppressed is that the three men acquitted of abusing Mrs Nicholas are also alleged to have committed sexual offences against a second woman in the 1980s.

Assistant Police Commissioner Clint Rickards and his former police colleagues Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton were all cleared in the Nicholas case in March.

That suppression order was eased after the Herald and other media won the right to publish the fact there will be a second trial. Other strict suppression orders surrounding this and the Nicholas case continue.

- NEWSTALK ZB