COURT TO VET BAN ON NAME

An application to overturn name suppression for a billionaire drug
smuggler will be heard by the High Court today.

The Herald is applying for judicial review of Judge David Harvey's
decision in January to grant permanent name suppression to the
American who admitted bringing 100g of cannabis into New Zealand.

He was discharged without conviction and told by Judge Harvey to enjoy
the harbour and fresh air of Auckland.

A decision on the application may be reserved today and made public
later.

An appeal has also been lodged against a later decision by Judge
Harvey that he had no jurisdiction to lift the suppression.

This has been adjourned pending the outcome of today's application for
judicial review.

Lawyers have already argued that there was no reason to keep the man's
name secret, as it had already been published in many newspapers in
the United States and could easily be found on the Internet.

If the court lifts name suppression, the Herald will name the man.