Allegations of Abuse in NZ
	peterellis Home / abuse allegations / Tea Ropati / Page 1 - 2006-2007 Pre-trial reports	Tea Ropati - League Star accused of rape Not Guilty ”a case that should never have gone to trial” - Lawyer
	The Dominion Post August 16 2006 League star wins court protection by Deborah Diaz An Auckland judge has issued a blanket suppression order shielding a former rugby league star facing rape allegations. The former international, arrested last week, returned to court yesterday with a request that an exception be made so he could keep his identity secret – and came away with protective court orders. The suppression will continue till the trial, which is likely to be held next year. Auckland District Court judge Michael Lance even took the unusual step of prohibiting media from publishing a pixelated photograph of the accused, the use of which is commonplace in cases where identity is suppressed. A woman alleges the former Kiwi raped, sexually violated and sodomised her on June 15. Police opposed the suppression, but the judge said the accused should not be identified because of the effect publicity could have on others. "My concern isn't for him, it's for the people he's assisting," the judge said. Judge Lance prohibited any publication of the man's photograph, the lawyers' submissions about suppression, and the names and evidence of witnesses in court yesterday. The witnesses were the defendant's friend, who is also a former league international, his employer and his brother. Nor can the judge's reasons be fully explained, as this could identify the defendant. The accused's lawyer said his client's details should be suppressed because of the presumption of innocence; that he was a well-known public figure; that media coverage would be disproportionate; the effect on the accused's family; that identification could prevent a fair trial; and the effect on third parties. When media, including The Dominion Post, later sought to query the suppression orders Judge Lance was unavailable. In February last year an All Black was granted permanent name suppression despite pleading guilty to assaulting his pregnant partner. The order sparked criticism that the player received special treatment because of his sporting status.