Woman offered jurors muffins, advice at trial

An Auckland woman has been discharged without penalty after being found in contempt of court during the trial of a rugby coach jailed for sex abuse.

During the High Court trial of rugby coach and teacher aid Alosio Taimo on October 3, Justice Simon Moore sent the woman to the courtroom cells after two jury members made him aware she had spoken to them during an adjournment.

Yesterday, Justice Moore discharged the woman without penalty as she was suffering from a psychotic episode at the time. She was granted permanent name suppression. The woman allegedly approached members of the jury and talked regarding her views around the credibility of Taimo.

Yesterday, the woman’s lawyer, Aaron Perkins, QC, argued for permanent suppression which was opposed by media on the basis of open justice.

Perkins told the court the livelihood of the woman had been impacted by the charge.

‘‘The defendant was not well when she performed the conduct in question,’’ he said. ‘‘She had no vested interest in the hearing at all.’’

The woman’s behaviour was ‘‘out of character’’ and she was ‘‘reasonably unwell’’ at the time.

She had failed to take medication for her diabetes for six months.

Justice Moore granted permanent name suppression, but said attacks on the integrity of the justice system could not be tolerated.

Justice Moore said a forensic report stated the woman was experiencing a psychiatric disorder at the time of the offending.

He was satisfied the defendant was suffering from an acute psychotic episode that robbed her of her understanding and judgment.