Case Details
A man, who cannot be identified due to a non-publication order, has appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court charged with extortion with a domestic violence aggravating feature. The charge relates to an alleged attempt to extort a woman over claims of a relationship with a high-profile Queensland public figure.
Magistrate Gelma Meoli issued a non-publication order preventing the identification of the complainant, defendant, and the high-profile person.
Hearing
Defence barrister Brydie Bilic argued that the authenticity of the evidence of the relationship was not challenged. She stated that her client's original bail terms were "overarching" and expressed concerns they were "designed to protect," potentially constituting a gag order.
She also requested that the non-publication order exclude the high-profile person, noting that the woman and the high-profile man do not live together or in the same area, and that there is no readily available information linking them.
"His name arises in the factual context of the allegations, but that doesn't make him a party to the proceedings." — Defence barrister Brydie Bilic
Bilic further noted that the high-profile man is not a witness, stating, "His name arises in the factual context of the allegations, but that doesn't make him a party to the proceedings."
Outcome
Magistrate Meoli ordered the suppression of the names of the complainant, defendant, and the high-profile person.
The defendant remains on bail. The case was adjourned to a later date for a directions hearing.