Little blasts UK media revelations

Justice Minister Andrew Little has hit out at the British media for revealing suppressed details from the Grace Millane murder case.

If they want justice for Millane, they should refrain from publishing information, he said.

On Monday, New Zealand police issued a warning to people not to name online the man charged with murdering the British backpacker.

The reminder came after the 26-year-old murder accused appeared in Auckland District Court, where he was granted interim name suppression.

Following that appearance, people named the man on social media and shared his Facebook profile. The British media also took to naming him, publishing details and his photograph.

‘‘The international media, particularly the British media are not helping the Millane family. And if they are concerned about Police are looking for a shovel they believe could be related to the death of British backpacker Grace Millane.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said they wanted to speak to anyone who may have found an Atlas Trade, hardwood long handle, round mouth shovel since Monday last week to contact them.

He discounted speculation that Millane’s body had been dismembered. ‘‘I will only confirm the following, and say that Grace’s body was intact when it was recovered.’’

doing justice for the family, they should stop publishing details,’’ Little said. The defence would be looking for every opportunity to say a trial right might be compromised and that was why suppression needed to be abided by.

‘‘It’s bad enough if an innocent person goes to jail, it’s equally an injustice if a guilty person gets to walk free because the justice system has failed.’’