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Allegations of Sexual
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Convicted sex offender Hiran Fernando
may be stripped of his citizen's award. The New Plymouth District Council
is yet to decide if the disgraced doctor will lose the award he received in
2003 for promoting multi-culturalism. Fernando was found guilty last
week of 26 charges of indecently assaulting female patients between 1981 and
2002. Citizens' awards are given for
work done outside the nominee's profession. The council unanimously recognised
Fernando's contribution for his work with the multi-ethnic community, Deputy
Mayor Lynn Bublitz said. Fernando set up the Taranaki
Multi-Ethnic Council in 1994, was its first president and remained in that
position for several years. "The council will no doubt discuss the
matter at an appropriate time and make a decision," Mr Bublitz said. Fernando's wife, Pretheeva Fernando,
received a citizen's award in 2004. Award recipients are named on a
plaque at the entrance to the council's debating chamber. Fernando's name is likely to be
removed from the plaque if the council votes to strip him of the award. The New Zealand Medical Council
also seems set to suspend Fernando's practising certificate. Fernando was still practising
between the time of his first court appearance in 2004 and his conviction
last week. He will be sentenced in the High
Court at New Plymouth on November 15. * Sam Lindsay is a WITT journalism
student. |
