Richards (a pseudonym) v Jones (a pseudonym) (No 2) [2025] NSWSC 27

Richards (a pseudonym) v Jones (a pseudonym) (No 2) [2025] NSWSC 27

An appropriately crafted suppression order, with necessary exceptions, is required to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice in circumstances where revealing the identities or information about parties and witnesses would create a real risk of such prejudice. Such an order does not unduly infringe upon the principle of open justice when constructed with targeted limitations and justified exceptions, and must specify a finite duration.

Parties
First Plaintiff: Richards (a pseudonym); Second Plaintiff: Jackson (a pseudonym); Third Plaintiff: Roberts (a pseudonym); Defendant: Jones (a pseudonym)
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
05 February 2025
Procedural Posture
Civil / Suppression Order Application Determination (ex Parte, Post Interim Orders)
Outcome
Suppression order made for 20 years; costs reserved; procedural directions given.
Legal Topics
Suppression Order, Non Publication Order, Open Justice, Proper Administration of Justice, Ex Parte Application
Civil Procedure Suppression Order Non Publication Order Open Justice Proper Administration of Justice Ex Parte Application

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Parties

Richards (a pseudonym)

First Plaintiff

Jackson (a pseudonym)

Second Plaintiff

Roberts (a pseudonym)

Third Plaintiff

Jones (a pseudonym)

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Suppression Order Application Determination (ex Parte, Post Interim Orders)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a suppression order should be made under ss 7 and 8(1)(a) of the Court Suppression and Non-publication Orders Act 2010 (NSW) to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice

Ratio Decidendi

An appropriately crafted suppression order, with necessary exceptions, is required to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice in circumstances where revealing the identities or information about parties and witnesses would create a real risk of such prejudice. Such an order does not unduly infringe upon the principle of open justice when constructed with targeted limitations and justified exceptions, and must specify a finite duration.

Court Disposition

Suppression order made for 20 years; costs reserved; procedural directions given.

Orders

  • Pursuant to ss 7 and 8(1)(a) of the Court Suppression and Non-Publication Orders Act 2010 (NSW) the publication or disclosure of specified material (identities, contact details, information revealing identity of parties, witnesses or associated persons, documentary evidence and submissions) is prohibited for 20 years.
  • The order does not prevent disclosure for court proceedings, legal advice, discussion with the defendant's father, consulting health practitioners, or reporting criminal offences to police.