Policeman faces sex charges

File photo / Herald on Sunday

A Hawke's Bay police officer has been stood down from duty after being charged with multiple counts of indecent assault.

The long-serving officer, who has interim name suppression, is facing three charges of indecent assault on a female arising from alleged offending between May 28 and December 12, last year.

He has been remanded at large while his case is transferred to Wellington.

Crown prosecutor Kate Feltham said the man had entered no plea, with the case expected to go to trial.

Ms Feltham said she believed the reason for the transfer was because he would receive a fairer trial out of the district.

Eastern District police communications manager Kris McGehan said the officer had been stood down while the charges were pending.

All charges related to the same female complainant.

The officer is due to appear before Wellington District Court in October.

- NZPA