Barry Young talks to a wellwisher outside court. Photo: RNZ / Ruth Hill
An IT worker accused of leaking Te Whatu Ora vaccine data has pleaded not guilty in the Wellington District Court today.
Barry Young, 56, was greeted with applause by his crowd of supporters in the public gallery, including high-profile conspiracy theorist Liz Gunn.
His lawyer, Matthew Hague, has advised the court Young has elected trial by jury.
He is next set to appear on 23 February.
Judge Andrew Nicholls had advised the packed gallery to keep their phones on silent and refrain from interjections.
However, loud cheering and a chorus of He's a jolly good fellow erupted among those outside the courtroom as he departed.
Speaking to RNZ afterwards, Young said he would do it again "in a heartbeat".
"But I have a very strong defence, and that is that it is people's data, it belongs to them, and truth will set me free. I absolutely believe that."
Barry Young's supporters gather outside Wellington District Court to congratulate him on his not guilty plea on 18 December 2023. Photo: RNZ / Ruth Hill