An Auckland entertainer accused of sexually abusing four underage girls is fighting to bar cameras from his trial, arguing photos of him in the dock would be “damaging”.
Actor and musician Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, is facing more than a dozen charges for alleged offending including multiple counts of male rapes female, grooming, unlawful sexual connection and doing an indecent act.
He has denied the allegations and is set to go to trial next year.
His opposition to an NZME application for in-court media coverage was heard in the Auckland District Court on Friday. [...]
[Defence counsel Matthew Creamer] submitted that Johnston was dealing with mental health issues and was “very concerned” his career would be taken away if “damaging” photos were publicised of him “sitting in a dock”.
Johnston has performed internationally and spent years teaching child performers. [...]
Media were already free to identify Johnston as he had lost his bid for suppression, [NZME lawyer Isabella Ieremia] said, and in-court media coverage would help ensure fair and accurate reporting. [...]
If his suppression was not continued, [Johnston’s lawyer Sumudu Thode] argued there would be virtually “no prospect” of him recovering from the reputational damage.
NZ Herald
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Prosecutor Emma Kerr said the application for name suppression did not reach the threshold to be granted, nor was there a risk to his fair-trial rights. Kerr said the charges were serious, the conduct alleged was not “fleeting” and naming him was in the public interest.
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