Name suppression lifted on 'celebrity' bonnet dancer

Martin Devlin has been revealed as the 46-year-old celebrity who jumped on a car in Auckland during the holiday period.

Judge David Harvey lifted name suppression today in the Auckland District Court after a request from Devlin's lawyer Jenni Smith.

The sports talkback host and Dancing With the Stars contestant, who faces a disorderly conduct charge, has been remanded on bail until April 19 for diversion to be considered.

A right plum
Today Mr Devlin, who fronted TVNZ's soccer World Cup coverage, issued a statement saying he "behaved like a right plum" during the incident.

Frosty atmosphere with wife, Andi Brotherson
Mr Devlin claims he sat on the bonnet of his car "for some inexplicable reason" after his wife, TVNZ spokeswoman Andi Brotherston (a former OneNews reporter, last seen defending Paul Henry), drove away with his wallet and bag in the boot by accident.

He said he had missed the Waiheke ferry on December 29 due to watching a soccer game.

"As a result the atmosphere was a little frosty between me and my wife."

In the statement, Mr Devlin said he had sought name suppression to protect his family and his career.

"Now that I can be named I'm hopeful the newspapers will go away and find a much more worthy story for the front page."

Many already knew - thanks to Twitter
The name suppression had been largely pointless. Mr Devlin's name had been mentioned repeatedly on Twitter, while his Wikipedia page had been altered several times to out him as the celebrity concerned.

Other 46-year-olds tainted by association
The suppression was troublesome for other 46-year-old celebrities – broadcasters Simon Dallow and John Campbell had publicly stated they weren't the man concerned.

Media fights suppression
Media outlets have not taken kindly to the name suppression and a battle was shaping up to take place for the hearing originally scheduled – and now cancelled – on February 9.

Newspaper Publishers' Association chief executive Tim Pankhurst said media companies should challenge the suppression.

"The courts in this country are far too ready to offer suppression. A justice system operates the most effectively in full sunlight and any sort of suggestion that people of influence ... are protected, undermines the system."

Power proposes change
Last October, Justice Minister Simon Power released the Criminal Procedure Bill for public consultation.

The proposed new law would make it harder for celebrities to get name suppression simply because of their “famous” status.

Wealth, reputation or public awareness would not be factors in gaining name suppression and defendants would have to prove “extreme hardship” were their names made public.