|
|
Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
|
|
|
|
THE defence has finished calling
witnesses in the trial of a New Plymouth doctor accused of sexual assaults
against patients. Nine witnesses, including patients
of the doctor, took the stand at the High Court in New Plymouth yesterday. They gave character testimonies
and said he was trustworthy, caring and a good listener. Some have been patients of the
doctor, who has name suppression, for more than 20 years. The female witnesses have been to
him for cervical smears, pregnancy tests and breast examinations. They said there was a blanket
available to cover themselves during smears and nurses were sometimes
present. None felt the doctor's manner or
behaviour had been inappropriate. "He made you at ease,"
one woman told the court. "He's very compassionate." Four of the witnesses had received
antenatal and postnatal care from him. The patients said they had
discussed sensitive matters with the doctor and found him to be
understanding. He took the time to listen to
people's concerns, even when his waiting room was busy, one woman said. A male witness said the doctor once
visited his home to check on him. The doctor drove him to the hospital
because he was concerned about his health and offered to collect him
afterwards. "I think he has an excellent
character -- thoroughly honest, thoroughly trustworthy and a man you can
depend on." Defence witness Lynn Bublitz, New
Plymouth's deputy mayor, described him as honest and community-minded. New Plymouth coroner Roger Mori,
another defence witness, told the court he had known the doctor for about 25
years and had never had any reason to question his integrity. "In my opinion, he's always
been perfectly honest and forthright." The doctor denies 37 counts of
sexual offending against 12 women patients between 1981 and 2002. The charges consist of 33 indecent
assaults, three of sexual violation and one of indecent assault against a
girl aged between 12 and 16. The Crown alleges the doctor
inappropriately touched female patients' genitals, asked them sexually
inappropriate questions and carried out unnecessary breast examinations. The trial, held before Justice
Priestley, is expected to resume on Monday with summing up from the Crown and
the defence. |
