Elderly Exclusive Brethren member to face sex charges

An elderly Exclusive Brethren member has been summonsed to appear in court on sex charges dating back more than half a century.

Nelson area commander Brian McGurk said the 72-year-old man would face seven charges relating to historic sexual offences dating back to 1951.

"He is aware of those charges -- we've spoken with his lawyer -- and he will pick him up at 9.30 tomorrow morning so he can collect his summons."

Five women, all former Exclusive Brethren members, accused the man in April of sexual abuse stemming from incidents in Nelson between 1951 and the 1980s.

The man is to appear in Nelson District Court on July 24.

- NZPA