Northland businessman's trial begins today

A prominent businessman was due in court today for the opening of his trial on 11 charges, including one of sexual violation.

The man has name suppression and cannot be named until after his trial in Whangarei District Court.

The 11 charges include sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, injuring with intent to injure, seven charges of assault and two of threatening to kill.

The charges followed incidents in January last year.

He was expected to enter not-guilty pleas on all charges.

- NZPA