By JO-MARIE BROWN
An expert witness testifying at a High Court trial in Rotorua says the drug diazepam, which an Iranian-born man is accused of slipping into the drinks of Asian women, does cause sleepiness and loss of memory
Professor Evan Begg of the Christchurch School of Medicine this morning gave evidence
at the trial of Pourshad Marco Arvand who is accused of drugging eight Asian women in order to steal their money and sexually assault them.
The women have given evidence that they felt dizzy, uncoordinated and suffered from memory lapses after being given a drink of orange juice by Arvand.
Professor Begg confirmed those symptoms were consistent with having taken diazepam - commonly known as valium - which was a sedative normally used to relieve anxiety, help people sleep or to treat epilepsy.
The trial, on 26 charges of stupefying, kidnapping, assault and sexual violation, is expected to last another two weeks.
