Name suppression has lapsed for a 48-year-old Masterton man facing sexual charges involving a girl.
Blair Stephen Cardno's appearance was excused when his case was called before Judge Tony Walsh in Masterton District Court.
Cardno's defence lawyer, Louise Elder, confirmed not guilty pleas on behalf of her client to the 11 charges he faces, which include one of rape of a girl aged between 12-16 years, unlawful sexual connection with a girl aged 12-16, and nine counts of indecently assaulting a girl aged between 12-16.
Ms Elder said the matter needed to proceed to trial. Judge Walsh said interim name suppression had now lapsed and remanded Cardno on existing bail conditions to appear in Wellington District Court on April 1 for pre-trial callover, when a trial date was expected to be set.
