NEW ZEALAND
TVNZ
Ryan Boswell
ONE News Reporter
The media have been prevented from filming or taking photographs of a former Catholic priest accused of rape.
Joseph Hercock, 71, appeared in the Wellington District Court this morning, charged with rape, indecently assaulting girls aged under 16, assault and unlawfully entering a building.
It is claimed the alleged offences took place in the 70s and 80s when Hercock was a chaplain at Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt.
ONE News applied to the court to film Mr Hercock, arguing it was of public interest given his status in the community.
But the court declined the request, saying “could compromise his right to a fair trial”.
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