On August 13 CaseLoaders will have read the intriguing story of Mrs Anne Hunt, whose book about a woman’s claims of sexual violation against a senior health professional was banned by Justice John Wild in the High Court after the judge found Mrs Hunt guilty of contempt of court. It was a rare private proceeding alleging contempt of court brought against Mrs Hunt by the senior health professional. Questions arose in that case over what role, if any, Wellington Queen’s Counsel David Collins – who acted for the woman alleging sexual violation - had in the compilation of Mrs Hunt’s book. Mr Collins takes up his new opposition as Solicitor-General on September 1. In the hope Mr Collins would clarify his position regarding Mrs Hunt’s book CaseLoad sent him 13 questions. On August 16 CaseLoad received the following email from Wellington barrister John M. Morrison:   

• “I refer to your emailed enquiry to Dr Collins of 11 August 2006 and reply on his behalf:
• I understand the contempt proceedings to which you refer are still subject to judicial process making specific comment inappropriate.
• Dr Collins has repeatedly denied he approved the publication of Mrs Hunt’s book.
• Mrs Hunt has acknowledged, in writing, that Dr Collins did not approve its publication.
• In responding as above neither I nor Dr Collins approve or sanction publication of whatever story it is you have in mind.”

Mrs Hunt filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal in June against Justice Wild’s contempt ruling. As Solicitor-General David Collins is the man who would normally determine if contempt of court proceedings were to be initiated against anyone by the Crown. If you missed “Collins Linked To Sex Contempt Case” have a read now in Case Load’s News and Current Affairs section. A couple of lawyers have and think the whole business raises some interesting questions well worthy of further scrutiny.