10 February 2002

The case of name suppression being granted to a Christchurch businessman convicted of attempting to hire a 12-year-old girl for sex highlights the difficulties name suppression can cause in our community, says Ilam MP, Gerry Brownlee.

"Name suppression is supposed to protect innocent people from harm, but in this case innocent people are being harmed even though they have had nothing to do with this case.

"The community has a right to know who has been convicted in our courts, and what crime they have been convicted of.

"If the appeal against this name suppression is unsuccessful, then in the interests of an innocent party whose otherwise upstanding reputation is being damaged, I will seriously consider using the privilege of Parliament to name the offender.

"In this case, justice has dealt a blow to a person who has a good reputation, is a high achiever and a strong contributor to the community. It is essential that steps are taken to quash the ugly rumours circulating and affirm this person's absolute innocence," says Gerry Brownlee.

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