Patient claims King sent 'intimate' texts

Christopher Roger King, former St John ambulance driver, leaving Napier courthouse. Photo / Paul Taylor

A "horrified" patient says she was "bombarded" with text messages from an ambulance officer she claims sexually violated her following an accident.

Late yesterday afternoon, the second and eldest complainant in the Christopher Roger King trial testified against the former St John officer at Napier District Court. King, 47, denies eight sex charges relating to four female complainants, aged 15 to 57, between 2010 and 2013.

The 57-year-old woman, who had pre-existing medical conditions, said she phoned 111 following a slip in the shower on the evening of June 23, 2013.

King and another ambulance officer arrived at the woman's Waipukurau home and prepared to transport her to the hospital, with King tasked with her care.

"He was very imposing with his body," said the woman, who was strapped to the stretcher. "He touched my hand and squeezed it as if you were comforting someone. At this stage I thought it was a little out of character for an ambulance officer, but I wasn't concerned."

She said King slipped his hand under her sweatshirt and began massaging her hip. "It was very uncomfortable and extremely inappropriate. I was scared."

She said King quietly told her she was beautiful before sliding his fingers underneath her underpants and violating her.

"I couldn't believe what was happening, I felt trapped. I was just hoping the hospital would appear soon."

Upon arriving at the hospital the woman said she felt "horrified".

She said King lingered near her before grasping her right shoulder and saying: "I'll be in touch."

Two days later she first spoke of the alleged assault to her psychiatrist, but it was more than a month before she told her Waipukurau GP, who worked at the same clinic as King's wife, and informed police.

She said during that time King had been in touch and began texting her and eventually "bombarded" her with "very intimate" messages.

One of the text messages King sent to the woman read: "Good morning beautiful sweet pea. My address is ... if you want to come over some time. Thinking of you always xxx."

The woman replied and one message from her said: "I've been feeling very low today. I had a verbal bashing last night from my husband. Hope to hear from you today, love getting your texts. Your beautiful sweet pea xxx."

She said her replies were not signalling an intention to meet or have a relationship with King.

King's lawyer, Bill Calver, suggested the complainant, who was diagnosed with depression, was suicidal at the time of her accident. He also said King was showing compassion to the woman and the alleged sexual incidents never occurred.

The trial continues.