Suppression for professional man on 'serious' indecent assault charges

The professional man was granted name suppression. Photo / File

A Christchurch professional has appeared in court today to deny charges that he indecently assaulted clients.

The 61-year-old man pleaded not guilty to three charges of indecently assaulting three male clients.

He appeared in the dock at Christchurch District Court this morning in a grey suit, brown shoes, and maroon tie.

Defence counsel Paul Wicks QC said the man elected a trial by jury.

He applied for interim name suppression, including details of his occupation, on the grounds of potential extreme hardship.

Police prosecutor sergeant Kathy Pomfrett said the charges were "very serious" and involve allegations against three victims.

Judge Tom Gilbert granted interim name suppression on the grounds of potential extreme hardship.

However, he stressed that name suppression would have to be argued "properly and fully" at the next hearing.

He remanded the man on bail, with conditions, to a case review hearing on September 5.