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Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
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The trial of a New Plymouth doctor
accused of sexual assaults against patients began in the High Court at New
Plymouth yesterday. The doctor, whose name is
suppressed, faces 37 counts of sexual offending against 12 women patients
during medical consultations. The alleged offending spans about two decades
from 1981 to 2002. He has denied all the charges. Yesterday, the doctor, flanked by
two wardens, stared straight ahead with his hands clasped in front of him as
he stood in the dock while the charges – 33 indecent assaults, three charges
of sexual violation and one of indecent assault against a girl aged between
12 and 16 – were put to him by the High Court registrar. He pleaded not guilty to each of
the charges. Strict suppression orders prevent
the doctor's identity being revealed and that will remain in place for the
duration of the trial. The trial, being held before
Justice John Priestley, is set down for four weeks. |
