Alleged relationship with high-profile married man raised in Cairns extortion case

A man has appeared in a Cairns court accused of trying to extort a woman over what he alleged was a relationship with a high-profile Queensland public figure. 

The man, who cannot be identified, is facing an extortion with domestic violence charge and is currently on bail.

Cairns magistrate Gelma Meoli issued a non-publication order preventing the identification of all parties involved.

Defence barrister Brydie Bilic told the court the authenticity of the evidence of the relationship was not challenged.

Ms Bilic said her client's original bail terms, made before today's hearing, were "overarching".

"There are concerns that it is designed to protect," she told the court.

"There are some matters that go so far as to potentially constitute a gag order."

Ms Bilic requested the non-publication order not include the high-profile person.

"[The woman and the high-profile man] don't live together or reside in the same area," she told the court.

"There's no evidence of readily available information that would link the two together."

Ms Bilic told the court the high-profile man was not a witness.

"His name arises in the factual context of the allegations, but that doesn't make him a party to the proceedings," she said.

Magistrate Meoli ordered the names of the complainant, defendant and the high-profile person all be suppressed.

A directions hearing on the case was adjourned to a later date.