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Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
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The jury has retired to consider the
fate of a New Plymouth doctor who faces 37 charges of sexually offending
against 12 female patients between 1981 and 2002. In summing up Justice Priestley
told the jury they had been presented with two vivid and contrasting accounts
of the accused. The Crown says he was a sexual
predator, who had taken advantage of young and naive women. The defence argues that the
accused was a highly regarded member of the community and his church, and had
dedicated himself to the service of others. The judge has reminded the jury to
exercise collective common sense and to put aside any emotional prejudice. The trial is now in its fifth
week.
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