Trainee cop appeals to High Court on naming

A trainee policeman charged with choking a prostitute into unconsciousness and raping her is appealing against a judge's decision not to suppress his name.

The appeal was lodged with the High Court in Christchurch before today's 4.30pm deadline imposed by Judge Michael Green.

The judge yesterday ruled there was not sufficient grounds for name suppression, but the accused man's name now cannot be published before the High Court hears the challenge against the decision.

The accused man was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and sexual violation after his fingerprints were allegedly matched with a crime scene while he was training at the New Zealand Police College last September.

He had been at the college for about eight weeks, and is now suspended on full pay pending the outcome of the case against him. His alleged victim suffered numerous injuries when she was attacked in March 2003.