World Cup security boss loses name suppression

Darien Rush lost name supression today. Photo / NZ Herald

The head of a key Rugby World Cup security company who was acquitted of punching an elderly man in the face can be named for the first time.

Darien Phillip Rush fought for 11 months to keep his name secret but lost his legal fight in the Auckland District Court today.

Mr Rush held interim suppression before the trial after successfully arguing publication of his name would damage his business.

His lawyer Simon Lance applied for permanent name suppression following the acquittal.

Crown prosecutor Wendy Andrews and lawyers for APN New Zealand opposed suppression.

At today's hearing Judge Grant Fraser said Mr Rush's concerns about the right to a fair trial were no longer relevant and rejected the application for permanent suppression.

"There are no compelling reasons or very special circumstances in this case that justify the departure from open justice.''

Mr Rush faced a three-day trial last month which ended with the jurors finding him not guilty of injuring with intent to injure and assault.

He had been accused of attacking 70-year-old Neil Slater outside Mr Rush's Auckland home after an argument about parking.

Mr Rush's wife Larissa Rush told the court she saw Mr Slater kick and punch her husband while her husband knelt down to fit a wheel clamp to Mr Slater's van. Mr Slater denied this.

Mr Rush's company, Darien Rush Security, previously held the security contract for Eden Park, including during last year's Rugby World Cup.