Court date set for reporter, editor and photographer

Two staff at the Hawke's Bay Today newspaper scheduled to appear in court today on charges relating to an article the newspaper published have been remanded until next month.

Editor Louis Harold Pierard, 52, and reporter Douglas James Laing, 50, had been summoned to appear in the Hastings District Court today.

Pierard and APN News and Media, which owns Hawke's Bay Today, are jointly charged with publishing a report containing particulars likely to lead to the identification of a victim of a sex crime.

It is alleged Laing "did author, write and cause to be published" a report containing particulars likely to lead to the identification of a victim of a sex crime.

Pierard, Laing and a representative of APN News and Media did not appear in court this morning -- an administrative adjournment means they will now appear on January 12. None of the parties have entered pleas in regards to the charges.

A third member of the newspaper's staff, Steven Aroha McNicholl, due to appear this morning also had his case adjourned until February 28 when it is set down for a defended hearing.

The 29-year-old photographer has pleaded not guilty to one charge of impersonating a police officer.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY