Top sportsman loses in bid to keep name suppression

Judge Richard McIlraith presided over the November name suppression hearing at the Papakura District Court. Photo / Google

A top sportsman fighting multiple Class A drug charges has lost his bid to keep name suppression.

However, he still cannot be named.

The man's defence lawyer, Greg Bradford, has indicated he will mount an appeal against the decision made by Judge Richard McIlraith.

Bradford's client denies importing methamphetamine and possessing the drug for supply.

The interim name suppression order was first granted by Judge John Macdonald and extended at the second appearance by Judge Peter Rollo to protect the ongoing police investigation.

In November, the man tried to have that name suppression order continued.

That application was two-fold, suggesting that he would face extreme hardship if named and that his fair trial rights would be jeopardised.

"Extreme hardship is a very high hurdle," Judge McIlraith said in his reserved decision which was released today.

The defendant's public profile meant there may be more publicity around the case than others in the same position, he said.

However, the judge did not accept that equated to extreme hardship.

"There is nothing unusual about [the defendant's] situation."

On the issue of fair trial rights the Crown argued the concerns were "speculative".

"It submitted that there is no logical nexus between the publication of his name and the predisposition of a jury pool against him."

And the judge agreed.

Judge McIlraith said there was "simply no evidence" to suggest any publication would affect fair trial rights.

The judge declined the request and has given until December 23 to allow Bradford time to file an appeal in the High Court at Auckland.