|
|
Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
|
|
|
|
The trial of a New Plymouth doctor
facing 37 sex charges involving 12 female patients between 1981 and 2002, is
drawing to a close. Defence lawyer Susan Hughes told the
court when she took the case and heard there were 12 complainants she thought
she had been given a hospital pass. However, after meeting the doctor,
hearing his explanations and listening to numerous character witnesses, she
says she was confident of his innocence. The character witnesses include,
the deputy mayor, fellow doctors, the coroner, a priest, a sexual abuse
counsellor, plus the doctor's wife and daughter. Ms Hughes says the complainants
are confused and have misinterpreted the doctor's examinations. With the
passing of time and other suggestions, she says they have falsely concluded
they were sexually assaulted. The trial is in its fifth week.
The judge will sum up on Tuesday morning.
|
