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Media Release - 16 February 2009 - Arsonist Suppression Order

TODAY, MONDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2009: Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Gavin Silbert SC, draws to the attention of all publishing agencies, including news media and electronic/internet publishing forums that any breaches to the Suppression Order imposed on identifying the alleged “Churchill” bushfire arsonist would be prosecuted by the Office of Public Prosecutions.

“On Monday 16, February, the Magistrates’ Court lifted in part the initial Suppression Order banning any identification of the defendant alleged to be the “Churchill” bushfire arsonist, allowing instead for the defendant to be named, but suppressing from
publication any images of the defendant and details of his street address.

If any agencies have published an image of the defendant or any material identifying his address they should remove the content immediately,” said Mr. Silbert.

“I also call for calm in this matter. Suppression Orders are put in place to protect the criminal justice process; to ensure the safety of the defendant; and to ensure the conduct of a fair trial. As such, this Office takes breaches of such orders seriously.”