James Robert Davis fights for non publication order on slavery case

A polyamorous man’s legal team is attempting to ban the media from hearing crucial facts in his slavery case to avoid “sensational” reporting.

A polyamorous man’s legal team is attempting to ban the media from hearing crucial facts in his slavery case to avoid “sensational” reporting.

Former soldier James Robert Davis, 40, has not yet entered a plea to reducing a person to slavery, possessing a slave and causing a person to enter and remain in servitude.

Five of his ‘wives’ who live with him on a rural property in Armidale travelled to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to support their ‘husband’, including one who is pregnant with Mr Davis’ child.

James Davis is yet to enter a plea to his charges.

The normally bearded Davis appeared via video link from Parklea Prison with a fresh shave and buzz cut, for what was supposed to be a 60-minute bail hearing open to the public.

But his barrister Ian Lloyd QC instead applied for a blanket non-publication order on the entire hearing, telling the court alleged facts relied on by police will “give rise, undoubtedly, to sensational journalism”.

“The major complaint in this case came about only after a (ABC) Four Corners program,” Mr Lloyd said.

Supporters of James Davis leave the Supreme Court in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“Since, the AFP have been trawling for further complaints. The matter has been sensationalised and I have a major fear that will continue. His right to a fair trial may well be prejudiced by the publication of things said in this courtroom today.”

The court heard the pregnant partner of Davis would be made available for cross-examination by prosecutors on an affidavit she wrote to the court.

He said she touches on the family‘s polyamorous lifestyle with “aspects of BDSM”.

Supporters of James Davis leave the Supreme Court in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Justice Helen Wilson told the court there was “obviously significant media interest” in the case, with six journalists in the courtroom and more listening via the video link.

“I’m a bit concerned about the non-publication order. You can see we’ve got a room full of journalists. They’ve all turned up just for this,” Justice Wilson said.

“There’s obviously significant media interest … I can assume that reflects the wish of the public.”

The case was stood down for written submissions on the non-publication from both the defence and prosecution to be submitted.

James Davis led a polyamorous community called House of Cadifor.

Justice Wilson said it would be relisted as a special four-hour hearing in the near future.

The charges relate to his alleged physical, sexual and psychological abuse of a woman in Eastern Suburbs between 2012 and 2015.

At the last appearance this year, the court was told detectives were interviewing 70 witnesses and examining phones, cameras and computers.

He has remained behind bars in a protected part of the prison due to his previous employment as a correctional officer, since his arrest by Australian Federal Police officers on March 11.

A release application in March was refused.