Suppression warning as Ryder footage leaks

A media law expert says suppression orders should be taken very seriously - and not just by the media.

Video footage of the two men accused of attacking cricketer Jesse Ryder has been posted online, despite a judge granting them interim name suppression.

The footage clearly shows the men's identities.

Canterbury University's School of Law Professor Ursula Cheer says suppression orders are there for a very good reason.

"There is a right to fair trial in New Zealand, it's in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and individuals don't have the right to splash stuff about just because they think somebody did something."

Ursula Cheer says anyone breaching the orders can be found to be in contempt of court and may face a hefty fine or jail time.

"I'm astonished really. I mean people really need to get to grips with this law, it applies to everyone whether you're a blogger or whoever.

"It doesn't allow people to take the law into their own hands."

She says anyone who has the footage online could face a prison sentence for contempt of court.