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Allegations of Sexual
Abuse in NZ |
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The Press A man's false allegation that his
workmate had assaulted a woman put the innocent man in police custody, a
court has been told. Anton James Baken told
Christchurch District Court Judge Ray Kean he did it because of a perceived
transgression by the other man at work, but he had since apologised and the
pair still worked together. "He must be a very forgiving
person," the judge said. Baken, 20, who declined legal
representation, admitted a charge of making a false statement that a crime
had been committed. He told the judge of regretting not seeing for himself
what had happened, having taken the word of others who said they witnessed
the supposed assault. Baken accepted that the bogus
allegation resulted in his workmate's arrest and time in custody. The judge
said it had serious consequences, but he would accept Baken's explanation at
face value and take into account his status as a first offender and his
guilty plea. Baken was sentenced to 100 hours
community work. |
