High-profile figure convicted but suppression orders prevent publication of person’s identity

A very high-profile figure has been convicted of a serious crime this week, but suppression orders have prevented Australian media outlets including Daily Mail Australia from reporting on it.

The well-known person has attracted significant media attention throughout their trial, and was only convicted on Tuesday.  

The conviction came on the second attempt, after a jury could not decide a verdict during an earlier trial.

The Victorian County Court first brought in the suppression order after the first trial.

The court feared knowledge of the person’s identity at that time might prejudice a further trial being held in March. 

On that score, suppression orders for cases like this one are not uncommon. 

Thanks to the suppression order, media outlets across Australian states and territories have been prevented from publishing the person’s name and the charges the person faced.

Breaching a suppression order could lead to charges of contempt of court and other serious consequences. 

The suppression comes despite evident interest from the public for the person to be named, as seen online and on social media throughout the week.

Victoria doles out more suppression orders than any other state in the country.  

More than half of the orders made in Australia are linked back to the state. 

Thanks to the suppression order, media outlets across Australian states and territories have been prevented from publishing the person’s name or charges