Name Suppression Continues in HIV Case

Red Ribbon

An Auckland man accused of infecting another man with HIV has applied for continued name suppression, supported by the police.

The defendant appeared in the Auckland District Court this afternoon facing one count of causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard and one of committing a criminal nuisance by doing an unlawful act.

His lawyer Lincoln Burns applied to extend the man’s name suppression and he said there was no suggestion there were other potential complainants who may come forward. He also said that their was “DNA strand-matching” process to be undertaken that could see his client cleared completely.

The police prosecutor in support of the suppression order argued the complainant felt that he might be identified if the defendant name was known. This might lead to the complaint been withdrawn and the trial been abandoned.

Judge David Sharp acknowledged concerns with a decision to be released later this week.