Key facts
- The identity of a high-profile Queensland man, referred to as MM, involved in an extortion case will remain secret.
- Justice James Henry of the Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge by media organizations against a suppression order.
- The suppression order was initially granted by Magistrate Gelma Meoli to protect the alleged extortion victim.
- MM is not a party to the extortion case and is not accused of any offense.
- Media organizations argued there was no legal precedent for suppressing the identity of a third party not directly involved as a victim or witness.
The identity of a high-profile Queensland man, referred to as MM, who has been linked to an extortion case, will remain secret following a Supreme Court ruling. Media organizations had sought to reveal his identity, challenging a suppression order granted by Magistrate Gelma Meoli. The order was initially sought by Queensland Police Commissioner Brett Pointing to protect the alleged female victim in the extortion case.
Justice James Henry dismissed the media's challenge on Friday, upholding the suppression order. Lawyers for the media, including Andrew O’Brien KC, argued that there was no legal precedent for suppressing the identity of a third party who was neither a victim nor a witness in such cases. They contended that the law typically protects victims but not other involved parties who might be privy to a 'guilty secret'.
Representing the police, Jonathan Horton KC argued that revealing MM's identity could leave the complainant, who was described as 'particularly vulnerable,' further distressed and could deter future victims from coming forward. Justice Henry had previously queried the need to avoid deterring complainants, suggesting that if an extortion targets a secret involving two people, naming one participant might cause hesitation.
The extortion case itself, which allegedly involved threats to reveal details of an affair, continues. MM is not facing any charges and is not accused of any wrongdoing in the proceedings.