The trial in Whangārei District Court began on Monday and was scheduled for three weeks. Photo / Christine Cornege
The trial in Whangārei District Court began on Monday and was scheduled for three weeks. Photo / Christine Cornege
A trial for a Northland man facing numerous charges of sexual offending, including allegations he raped his wife and stepdaughter and committed indecencies with livestock, ended abruptly this morning.
The trial in Whangārei District Court began on Monday and was scheduled for three weeks.
After legal discussion inchambers, Judge Taryn Bayley discharged the jury saying a legal issue had arisen and the trial would have to be rescheduled.
The judge told jurors the issue was procedural and not related to either the complainants or the defendant.
Judge Bayley reminded jurors that because of the sensitive and sexual nature of the allegations, widespread name suppression applied in the case. She warned any discussion could breach those orders and risk identifying the people they were designed to protect.
Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in journalism, most of which she spent court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast.
