Former cop charged with indecent assault

Former Flaxmere community constable Adam Dunnett. File photo / APN

A Hawkes Bay police officer has been charged with seven counts of indecent assault involving five different complainants.

Adam Dunnett, 37, a constable who has worked in the Flaxmere community, appeared at Hastings District Court today and entered no plea to the charges.

Name suppression for the defendant was declined by Judge David Cameron, however in-court camera applications were declined.

The alleged offending took place between May 20, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

Dunnett's lawyer, Jonathan Krebs, said the alleged offences took place at parties and alcohol was involved.

He said in at least two of the cases there was dispute over the identity of the offender.

Mr Krebs said the publication of in-court photographs could influence victims and witnesses before a trial stage is reached.

It is understood Dunnett has been stood down from the police while the matter is before the court.

He was remanded on bail to reappear on July 17.

Dunnett has been a police officer for 10 years.