The Sensible Sentencing Trust says a decision by a High Court judge to suppress details surrounding a murder and rape during a sentencing, was unusual and pointless.
Aaron McDonald was yesterday sentenced to life for the rape and murder of a Christchurch woman and for an attack on two hitch-hikers on the West Coast in March this year.
McDonald already had 68 convictions and was on parole when he killed the woman.
He will now spend at least the next 21 years behind bars.
During sentencing, Justice Whata suppressed the victims' names, what happened and the victim impact statements to protect the family from media attention.
"While this is unusual, I am advised that undue attention has been given to them to the point of harassment. Well beyond the public interest to the murder and rape offending," he said.
A reporter also went to the victim's family home trying to arrange an interview once McDonald had been sentenced.
Justice Whata said that greatly upset the victim's mother and was a step too far.