A magistrate in Fremantle has lifted a suppression order, allowing the reporting of a domestic violence charge against a prominent WA doctor accused of assaulting his wife, human rights lawyer Rabia Siddique.
St John of God doctor Anthony Jenner Bell has pleaded not guilty to the aggravated assault of Ms Siddique in Mount Pleasant.
An interim suppression order was in place until this morning, when Magistrate Adam Hills-Wright lifted it.
The court heard Dr Bell had sought the suppression order to prevent his identity from being reported.
Magistrate Hills-Wright said Dr Bell had stated in an affidavit that the complaint against him was made in the context of a separation.
Dr Bell also stated that reporters had contacted St John of God asking whether his position was under question.
He said his employer was supporting him, but if the matter got into the media, it could lead to him being stood down and he may not be able to see some patients.
Not in interests of justice: magistrate
Magistrate Hills-Wright said Dr Bell was presumed to be innocent.
He said publicity increased the community's understanding of how the justice system worked, and for a suppression order to be made, the court had to be satisfied there were exceptional circumstances.
While widespread publicity could cause "significant embarrassment", the court process applied "equally for all", he said.
Magistrate Hills-Wright said the court was being asked to weigh the potential wider ramifications for patients and institutions.
He told the court suppression was not in the interests of justice.
Dr Bell is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court next month for a trial allocation date.
