One of the TV stars in realty is in legal trouble for allegedly being involved with a hit-and run accident that left a police officer injured. The suspect was taken into New Zealand police custody earlier in November. He now faces multiple charges, including wounding and intent to cause grievous bodily damage, failing to slow a motor vehicle and taking a car unlawfully. Due to New Zealand’s strict laws regarding name suppression, the suspect’s identity was not released.
A court might decide to stop a person’s identity details and name from being published. It could be done for several reasons, such as to protect the victim or children under 17 who are victims or witnesses. Per Community LawIf the publication of the name could lead to serious consequences, the court can also grant name suppression. “extreme hardship,”Cause undue hardship to victims, increase the risk of an unfair trial or interfere with the operation and administration of the law. In the case of the criminal case surrounding the unnamed reality TV star, Judge Jane Forrester granted the protection of his identity in order to allow him to inform his whānau, Māori for extended family, and children. The name suppression will be granted until the convicted’s next court appearance in three week.
Forrester gave the ruling at the suspect’s initial hearing. He was not able to attend the hearing as he was still being treated in hospital. This hearing was held just hours after the suspect (identified only as a 37 year-old male reality TV star) was taken into custody by police following a major chase in Auckland on Nov. 8. The New Zealand HeraldReports state that the suspect was taken into custody by police at 9 p.m., after leading police on a long chase that caused traffic to stop. While laying Manukau road spikes, a Manukau police officer was struck by the suspect.
“Our thoughts are with the officer and their family. Ensuring they are supported is our priority,”Jill Rogers, Commander of Counties Manukau District, stated that the officer was admitted with serious injuries. “This was a traumatic incident for those involved and I want to acknowledge the support offered by the officer’s colleagues and members of the public.”
After the incident, the suspect was taken to hospital and charged with wounding intent to cause grievous bodily injury, failing to stop motor vehicles, and taking a vehicle illegally. His lawyer requested that he suppress his name. The court learned that he had severe alcohol and drug addiction issues during the initial hearing.