WHY KILLER ISN’T NAMED

WHILE the fate of the 28-yearold killer of Grace Millane is able to be reported, his name cannot be published for legal reasons.

Here, the PA news agency answers some questions.

Why was Grace Millane’s murderer granted anonymity?

The reasons for the so-called suppression order, like the name of the killer himself, cannot be given for legal reasons.

Under what circumstances can someone be given anonymity?

New Zealand law says that the court has to be satisfied that publication of the person’s identity would cause hardship to the person charged, create a risk of prejudice to trial, or endanger the safety of any person as among the eight reasons for suppressing a defendant’s identity.

Why wasn’t the murderer identified when they were convicted or sentenced?

Simply, because the order remains in place until the judge says it is lifted.

What punishments are there for those who breach the order?

Under the Criminal Procedure Act, punishments can include a six-month jail sentence and a fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars (£49,000).

Has anyone reported his name?

Yes. Some outlets outside New Zealand have printed the name of the murderer. Breaching the order is not an offence which could lead to extradition and the long arm of New Zealand’s suppression law does not stretch to those overseas.

How are things different in the UK?

Defendants are only granted anonymity in a number of instances by British courts, including where they are under 18, though this is discretionary rather than automatic.