Clergyman accused of sex assault remanded

A clergyman accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy was further remanded after appearing in Christchurch District Court today.

Methodist minister Kenneth Smith is charged with indecently assaulting the 17-year-old in a motel in January.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Eaton said there had been an agreement with the police for a restorative justice conference to take place and he was now making arrangements.

Smith was remanded on bail to February 23 by Judge Brian Callaghan.

He was formerly a minister at Waitakere and superintendent of the Auckland Synod. He has since moved to Christchurch.

- NZPA