Why should justice put sport on a pedestal

The issue of name suppression is a lot more prominent in the media these days, and it is something we deal with at Masterton District Court all the time.

Generally, the public are tolerant of name suppression to a certain point and in certain circumstances.

In sexual abuse cases, for example, suppression is automatic, to protect the identity of victims or children.

But it does disturb me when the justice system considers celebrities and sportspeople deserving of the protection of name suppression, sometimes permanently.

This week Gisborne police have appealed a case against permanent name suppression and discharge without conviction of an apparently prominent sportswoman, who was found to be twice over the legal limit while driving.

Certainly, a discharge without conviction, on the grounds the woman's sports career would be impaired, was the wrong action. It's saying an up-and-coming sportsperson has a "promising future", while a teacher or doctor found drink-driving are just ordinary citizens who need to feel the wrath of the justice system.

And what messages are our justice system giving when we go one step further, and give the sportsperson name suppression?

It has always disturbed me when sports is placed too high on a pedestal.

It is fantastic that sports is professional, it can be a career path. Is it because sports, as a career, is an incredibly fragile thing, with very little in the way of alternatives if you get badly injured - or commit a crime?

As far as I'm concerned, your club, your community and your country might think it has the responsibility to protect your career, but ultimately your career and your reputation is your own.

There is a reason you're standing in the dock, and that's because you've stuffed up. Julian Savea, the rugby player who assaulted his partner, knows it, and he's put his name to it.

The public can be very forgiving when something goes wrong.

What they don't like is when you hide it.