THE identity of a prominent property developer convicted and jailed for sexual misconduct has been suppressed after his barrister told a court publicity would be ''catastrophic'' to his reputation and business activity.

The 63-year-old was jailed yesterday for at least 18 months after a jury found him guilty of one act of indecency and one act of sexual intercourse with his young stepdaughter at Mosman in the mid 1980s.

The man maintains his innocence and intends to appeal.

His barrister, Anthony Bellanto, QC, asked the District Court judge Ken Taylor to grant a non-publication order on his client's name because the offender planned to resume his career, either after release from prison or a successful appeal.

''We wish to minimise any ongoing damage to his reputation,'' Mr Bellanto said. ''It would help if he could reduce the … damage that will no doubt occur if these matters reach the electronic and print media.''