SUPPRESSION OF NAMES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5099, 11 March 1927, Page 3

SUPPRESSION OF NAMES

COMMENT BY MAGISTRATE. CASE LEFT TO THE PRESS. A clear definition of his views on the question*of suppression of names was given by Mr Mosley, S.M., at Christchurch on Tuesday last at the conclusion of a case against a young man of 26, Norman Sligo. He was charged with forging and uttering a cheque for £ll 14s. His counsel, Mr M. Johnston, said probation might be granted and his name suppressed, Accused had been, discharged from the Navy two years ago owing tc. blood poisoning, and in the last two years had had many operations. His health had been affected. “A good deal might be said for his lapse.” The Magistrate: I shall adopt the same policy as Mr Justice Stringer the other day, and leave the publication of the name to the discretion cf tiie Press. I don’t like these orders ; my feeling is strongly against making them. iOf course counsel, in performance of their duty to their clients, almost always apply for the suppression of the name. The suppression of all names might as well be ordered, with the result that crime would increase. There is no dictum for the lower Court to suppress a name and leave it to the higher Court to exercise its discretion in the matter. I am very sorry that the Court should be placed in this position. Mr Johnston : I hope the Press will not publish the name in this case, The Magistrate : The Press can do just what they like. Sligo pleaded guilty and was committed for sentence.