Hostel sex attack claims: Further charges laid

Michael Harris / APN

A Kaitaia hostel owner has had fresh charges laid against him since his appearance in court.

Michael Harris now faces a total of 49 charges, relating to 23 alleged victims.

The fresh charges include 12 of aggravated wounding. Police allege the victims were drugged with the intent to commit further offences such as indecent assault.

Harris also faces 19 charges of indecent assault and 18 charges of making or possessing intimate visual recordings.

He appeared in Kaitaia District Court last Thursday and was remanded in custody to appear again on October 23.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said police had managed to recover more images from the material seized. They had also had an excellent response from overseas inquiries.

Mr Johnston said it was still possible more charges would follow, as police were waiting to hear back from a number of people who are travelling overseas.