Further remand for doctor on sex charges

A New Plymouth doctor accused of sexually assaulting nine patients was again remanded when he appeared in New Plymouth District Court yesterday.

The doctor, whose name is suppressed, is charged with 21 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual violation.

The alleged offending spans a period of more than 20 years, from 1981 to 2002.

Originally the doctor was charged with 15 counts of indecent assault and sexual violation involving five patients.

However, in March seven more charges of indecent assault and one of sexual violation were laid from four new complainants.

The doctor's lawyer Harry Waalkens QC has said the charges would be vigorously denied.

The doctor is due to reappear in the district court on July 13.

- nzpa