Top sportsman facing drug charges calls for repression of his name to be lifted

A top athlete facing a number of drug-related charges has fought to keep his name a secret in the High Court.

The athlete pleaded not guilty to possession and importation of methamphetamine in December 2019 and is due to stand trial later this year.

He was denied the continued deletion of his name by the district court, but sought to appeal the decision.

Before the Auckland High Court this morning, the man’s lawyer Greg Bradford said the name deletion should continue to preserve his client’s right to a fair trial.

Crown attorney Jessica Pridgeon said there was nothing out of the ordinary about the case and that nothing would be in jeopardy if named.

Justice Edwards reserved his decision.