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  "description": "Prosecutor Emma Kerr said the application for name suppression did not reach the threshold to be granted, nor was there a risk to his fair-trial rights. Kerr said the charges were serious, the conduct alleged was not “fleeting” and naming him was in the public interest.",
  "path": "/face-of-the-day-1500/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-07T18:30:16.000Z",
  "site": "https://goodoil.news",
  "tags": [
    "NZ Herald",
    "Read More"
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  "textContent": "> An Auckland entertainer accused of sexually abusing four underage girls is fighting to bar cameras from his trial, arguing photos of him in the dock would be “damaging”.\n>\n> Actor and musician Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, is facing more than a dozen charges for alleged offending including multiple counts of male rapes female, grooming, unlawful sexual connection and doing an indecent act.\n>\n> He has denied the allegations and is set to go to trial next year.\n>\n> His opposition to an NZME application for in-court media coverage was heard in the Auckland District Court on Friday. [...]\n>\n> [Defence counsel Matthew Creamer] submitted that Johnston was dealing with mental health issues and was “very concerned” his career would be taken away if “damaging” photos were publicised of him “sitting in a dock”.\n>\n> Johnston has performed internationally and spent years teaching child performers. [...]\n>\n> Media were already free to identify Johnston as he had lost his bid for suppression, [NZME lawyer Isabella Ieremia] said, and in-court media coverage would help ensure fair and accurate reporting. [...]\n>\n> If his suppression was not continued, [Johnston’s lawyer Sumudu Thode] argued there would be virtually “no prospect” of him recovering from the reputational damage.\n>\n> NZ Herald\n\nRead More",
  "title": "Face of the Day",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-07T18:30:15.760Z"
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