A man charged in connection with the abduction of a 9-year
old boy in Timaru has been named and shamed on social media
sites - and has even received online death threats.
The 26-year-old man appeared in Timaru District Court on
Wednesday charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
and wounding.
Judge Joanna Maze protected his identity by granting name
suppression while officers continue to build their case, but
the suppression order hasn't stopped people from going online
to name the man and circulate his image.
Vitriolic messages and death threats have also been posted.
Police say they are extremely disappointed with the
suppression order breach but cannot act until instructed by a
judge.
South Canterbury area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said
police had referred the matter to the court and were awaiting
instruction before any action was taken.
The breach was "very disappointing".
"I'd say some halfwit was sitting in court and has then
decided that just because a judge makes an order, ordering
suppression, that it didn't apply to them, and they've
released the information.
"We're pretty well aware of who it was, but we're just
waiting for some instruction."
Mr Gaskin said suppression orders were there for good reason.
"I think a lot of people think that suppression orders are
just purely for the defendant, but in more cases than not, it
is actually to protect the identity of victims, especially
child victims."
The defendant was remanded in custody for a psychiatric
report to be carried out and will be back in court on
December 5.
The boy was found at Holme Station Bridge, some 15km from his
home, bloodied and distressed about 4.15pm on November 15.
It took several days before the traumatised boy could talk to
officers about what happened to him after he left school.
He spent six days recovering in hospital and has since been
discharged.
