Confrontation outside court as sportsman accused of assault gets to keep name secret
Monday, 27 July 2026
A high-profile Kiwi sportsman appeared in Wellington District Court on Monday facing charges of assault with intent to injure, resisting police, and causing loss by deception.
His lawyer successfully sought interim name suppression to protect his fair trial rights; he was granted bail under conditions not to consume alcohol or contact the alleged victim.
Outside the courtroom, a woman accompanying the sportsman yelled at reporters, pushed a phone, and struck a journalist in the face while trying to bat away a recording device.
The charges stem from an early-morning incident in Rongotai on Saturday; the sportsman was treated in hospital for injuries from a police dog, though neither the alleged victim nor the dog required treatment.
A woman accompanying a high-profile Kiwi sportsman confronted members of the media outside Wellington District Court after his first appearance on assault and other charges.
A Stuff reporter witnessed the woman yelling at reporters to stop taking photographs outside the court before pushing one reporter’s phone away as they were recording.
When a reporter asked the man if he had anything to say, the woman appeared to bat away the reporter’s phone, which was being used to record, striking the journalist in the face. The reporter did not appear to be injured, RNZ reported.
Reporters are legally permitted to cover events outside court, and ask questions of those charged with crimes.
The sportsman appeared in court on Monday on charges of assault with intent to injure, resisting police and causing loss by deception.
His lawyer, Phil Mitchell, successfully sought interim name suppression, arguing publication of his identity could prejudice his right to a fair trial.
The court granted interim name suppression and bail, with conditions that he not associate with the alleged victim or consume alcohol.
He is due to reappear in Wellington District Court on August 17.
Police said the charges stem from an incident in Rongotai in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police said neither the alleged victim nor the police dog required treatment for injuries.
The sportsman, however, was treated in hospital for injuries sustained from a police dog during his arrest.