Closing submissions have been made in the trial of a male caregiver alleged to have sexually exploited disabled children and youth in his care.
The man, who cannot be named, is standing trial in the Napier District Court this week after allegedly abusing children and youth with significant impairments, over the course of several years.
The man was charged with five counts of sexually exploiting a person with a significant impairment, six of rape, two of indecent assault and three each of attempted rape and sexual conduct with a child under 12-years-old.
Yesterday the charges were amended to reflect the evidence given; the defendant discharged on one count each of rape, attempted rape and sexual conduct with a child under 12-years-old. One charge of unlawful sexual connection was added.
Defence lawyer Scott Jefferson called numerous witnesses for the defence case who each told the court they never had never seen anything untoward about the defendant's behaviour towards those in his care.