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A Gisborne school teacher and music tutor was sent to trial today on a variety of sexual violation and rape charges that date back to 2003.
Stephen Michael Shone, 29, pleaded not guilty to eight charges when he appeared in Gisborne District Court for a depositions hearing.
He was remanded on bail to reappear on July 30.
Shone faces three charges of unlawful sexual connection, two of other indecent assaults on a girl and one each of rape, performing an indecent act and indecent assault.
The charges relate to five different girls, aged between 12 and 16, which allegedly occurred in different places, including Auckland, Rotorua, Mahia and Gisborne.
Evidence was accepted by hand-up.
An application by defence counsel Adam Simperingham to have Shone's name and any further details of the case suppressed was declined by Judge Philip Recordon.
Mr Simperingham said he accepted that Shone's name had already been published in the local media, but said that any further publication could give rise to prejudice leading up to his client's trial.
However, Judge Recordon said there was a right for the public and the press to have the details.
He said the court may reconsider the application at a later date.
- NZPA
