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peterellis Home / abuse allegations / Peter Stewart Peter Stewart - News
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National Business Review A 61-year old Christchurch
businessman was accused of historical rape charges from 30 years ago in a
depositions in the District Court this week. Judge John Bisphan suppressed all
details relating to the man's identity and business. However, the shock value of the
charges was somewhat tempered by the fact that many people close to the
family have known about the pending charges for months, if not years. Some
friends have speculated on motivations for the charges while others are
waiting to judge the veracity of the evidence. The hearing had been anticipated
by court reporters on several occasions last year but was deferred for
unknown reasons. At the depositions hearing the
court heard evidence from four Crown witnesses and two others provided
written evidence. The witnesses were childhood friends of the accuser who
were asked about their recollections at the time. Two girlfriends had the
impression the complainant was in love with the defendant. The charges include sexual
violation of a girl under 12, indecent assault and rape when the girl was
aged between 12 and 16. Jonathon Eaton is defending the accused man. Judging by other recent
high-profile cases for similar offending, if the case goes to full trial and
the man is found guilty he could face at least eight years in jail. On the
other hand, an acquittal may still prove highly embarrassing for the family. |
