New certificate for accused doctor

Gavel. 16 April 2005 Herald on Sunday Photograph by Nigel Marple SUN 24apr05 - SUN 5nov06 - SUN 12aug07 - SUN 30sep07 - NZH 19Feb11 - Richard ValintineSimon Short Tim CarterCampbell Dun

A Hawke's Bay doctor accused of stupefying and indecently assaulting young men is still working and has just had a new practicing certificate issued to him.

A Medical Council of New Zealand spokesman confirmed the certificate dated for another year had been issued which allowed him to continue practicing.

It is alleged the 40-year-old man stupefied young men then indecently touched them, some of these incidents taking place in a treatment cubicle, a toilet and darkened surgical room.

The charges relate to incidents alleged to have occurred in Hastings between January and September.

He lost his bid for name suppression in January when Judge Tony Adeane lifted suppression but gave the man two weeks to file an appeal.

The doctor subsequently did so and a hearing to address the issue will be heard in the High Court in April.

He entered not guilty pleas to all charges when he appeared in November and elected a trial by jury.

It is understood the doctor's previous practising certificate ran out in February.

Although he is still working it is not with his previous employer and is with a different demographic.

The spokesman said due to "legal reasons" he could not provide further details.

The doctor surrendered his passport at the time of his arrest.