A 58 year-old doctor was arrested yesterday [Sunday] by Auckland City Police's Adult Sexual Assault Team and will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with one count of rape, one of attempted rape and three of indecent assault on a girl under 12.
The medical practitioner was arrested at his Panmure address, where he resides on weekends while working at an Otahuhu medical service.
The offences he's charged with relate to historical events in the late 1970s and early to mid-80s and are alleged by three women who, when children, lived or holidayed in a small community on the Coromandel Peninsula, where the accused lives when not in Auckland.
Detective Sergeant Andy King says the doctor was arrested as a matter of urgency after a six-week investigation and based on Police assessment of the level of risk he may - or may not - pose to those he has access to through his work and home.
"This is an ongoing investigation so it's possible more charges may be laid as there's no telling where further information about this man might come from," Mr King said.
Anyone wishing to contact the Adult Sexual Assault Team can do so via the dedicated
e-mail address ASAT@police.govt.nz or by telephoning the Auckland Central Police Station on (09) 3026400.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz