11 Sep 2015

Rape accused loses name suppression

1:37 pm on 11 September 2015

A gang member who is facing 20 sex charges relating to minors had his name suppression lifted despite his protests in the High Court in New Plymouth this morning.

Terrence Solomon Martin turned up late to his appearance and, after hearing his counsel had accepted name suppression would be lifted, began to argue with Justice Susan Thomas.

Mr Martin, who has pleaded not guilty, told the judge he was a gang member and his family members in Taranaki would be put at risk if his name was released.

Justice Thomas told him these were factors his counsel would have taken into account, but no application had been made for name suppression extension by his lawyer.

He remanded Mr Martin at large and ordered him to reappear on November 13.

A trial date has been set for May next year.