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Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
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The lawyer for the New Plymouth
doctor who sexually assaulted ten women patients says Dr Hiran Fernando and
his family feel gutted by his conviction. Fernando was this afternoon found
guilty of 26 counts of indecent assault between 1981 and 2002 after a
five-week trial. After three days of deliberation
the jury found the 58-year old GP not guilty on 11 other counts - including
accusations by two other women and the three most serious charges of sexual
violation. His lead counsel Harry Waalkens QC
says the doctor is very disappointed and extremely surprised at the result -
but that it's too early to consider an appeal. Mr Waalkens asked for a report on
emotional harm reparation for the victims - the judge ordered that it be
prepared for sentencing in five weeks |
