Top athlete loses in attempt to keep name suppression

A high-level athlete battling multiple Class A drug charges has lost his attempt to maintain the name suppression.

However, it still cannot be named.

The man’s defense attorney, Greg Bradford, has indicated that he will file an appeal against the decision made by Judge Richard McIlraith.

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

The provisional order to suppress the name was granted for the first time by Judge John Macdonald and expanded in the second appearance of Judge Peter Rollo to protect the ongoing police investigation.

In November, the man tried to get the name suppression order to continue.

That request was twofold, suggesting that he would face extreme hardship if appointed and that his rights to a fair trial would be impaired.

“Extreme hardship is a very high hurdle,” Judge McIlraith said in his reserved decision on the application.

The defendant’s public profile means there may be more publicity surrounding the case than others in the same position, he said.

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

“There is nothing unusual about [the defendant’s] situation.”

The judge rejected the request and has given until December 23 for Bradford to have time to file an appeal in Auckland High Court.