Nicholas suppression-order violators encourage others to join in

A Christchurch group involved in handing out pamphlets breaching suppression orders in the Louise Nicholas case hope there will be less chance of prosecution if more people spread the information.

Two sets of leaflets were handed out in Cathedral Square and outside the Christchurch central police station. One contained information that was suppressed during the trial and another pledged support for Mrs Nicholas and a Wellington group who broke suppression orders this week.

Activist Frances Martin said those involved in the Christchurch leaflet drop were connected to the Wellington group.

Suppressed information was also handed out at University of Auckland on Wednesday.

"We're in contact with [Wellington] and have been talking about the legal repercussions of it quite extensively," said Ms Martin.

"There was concern that handing out the suppressed information would have a negative impact for victims of rape so we were really concerned about that.

"But in the end we know the information is out in the public anyway, it's on the internet and easy to get hold of. We think the more people handing out the information the less likely there will be charges laid against the women doing it in Wellington."

People who breach suppression orders can be charged by police with breaching a suppression order but they can also face contempt charges if the judge who imposed the orders decides to take action.

The offence of breaching suppression orders carries a fine of $1000.

A complaint has been lodged with police over the Wellington pamphlets but no one has yet been charged.

Ms Martin said the group did not hand out many pamphlets but there was "unbelievable" public support.

People had a choice of handing out the pamphlet without suppressed information, "because some people don't have time to be in court".

Pamphlets also appeared to be circulating in Dunedin yesterday.