A prominent Northlander is on trial for a number of sex and violence charges spanning more than two decades.
The 53-year-old, who has name suppression, has denied 24 charges of assault with a weapon, four of male assaults female, four of assault with intent to injure, three of threatening to kill, three of sexual violation by rape, two of arson and two of using a document for pecuniary advantage.
Further charges include: Two each of assaulting a child below the age of 14, assault, discharging a firearm with intent and reckless discharge of a firearm.
Single charges i nclude attempted arson, perjury, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
A three-week trial started before Judge Duncan Harvey in the Whangarei District Court on Monday.