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Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
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A jury took less than five hours
to acquit a former Rimutaka Prison guard of one charge of indecently
assaulting a teenage child sex offender in jail. After a two-day trial in
Wellington District Court, the jury yesterday found the man not guilty of
prodding the inmate's penis through his clothes on April 30 last year. The jury failed to agree on a
second indecent assault charge relating to an incident in which the guard
allegedly grabbed the former inmate's bottom. The man's wife and a large group
of family and friends sobbed and hugged as the verdict was read out. The complainant -- a convicted
paedophile -- told the court he was confused when the guard -- whom he
respected -- grabbed his bottom and prodded his penis through his clothes. He
claimed the guard had also shown him some photos, including some of him
naked. Judge Tony Adeane remanded the man
on bail till August 1 for a callover pending a retrial on the remaining
charge. Interim name suppression was
continued. |
