Charges dropped against former University of Otago pro-chancellor

The charges were dismissed in the Dunedin District Court. Photo / George Heard

A former Dunedin lawyer and ex-University of Otago pro-chancellor has been redeemed after sexual offending charges against him were dismissed.

Bruce Alexander Aitken, 75, appeared briefly before Judge Emma Parsons this morning on charges of unlawful sexual connection and indecent assault on a boy under 12.

His wife and son were present in the public gallery.

Counsel for the defendant Anne Stevens KC had applied to dismiss the charges brought against Aitken, which was not opposed by the Crown.

Crown counsel James Collins confirmed no evidence was to be offered against the defendant.

Judge Parsons said it was on that basis there were grounds for the charges to be dismissed, and Aitken was acquitted.

Interim non-publication orders lapsed at the conclusion of proceedings.

Aitken had previously pleaded not guilty and had been on bail since the charges were filed in November 2023.

Court documents show the charges relate to alleged offending in Dunedin between August 1993 and August 1995.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.