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An entertainer has been charged with sex offenses but his name remains withheld on the first day of his trial in Rotorua.
The entertainment figure, who faces multiple sex crimes charges, could not be named even though his High Court trial began on Monday.
He faces a total of 25 charges including rape, indecent assault, sexual assault by illicit sexual relationship, assault with intent to commit sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, indecent assault and attempted obstruction of justice.
He also faces drug charges.
Crown prosecutor Anna Pollett opened the door to the jury of seven women and five men, telling them they would hear “explicit sexual questions” as the trial unfolded.
She also said of the man’s status in the entertainment industry, “which gives him the power to deal with all kinds of women the way he wants, whether they want to or not… He’s addicted to sex, he told some people”.
Among the complainants was a nanny hired by the man’s wife, Paulette said.
Pollett said some of the alleged offenses involved drug use, which “has the effect of relieving someone’s inhibitions and influencing things in his favor.”
From 2012 to 2021, there were a total of nine complaints and charges, some of which carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
In one incident in 2019, he allegedly committed sexual assault after “putting an unknown drug (white powder) in her mouth”, according to the royal notice of charges.
The man’s lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, will file an application on Friday to continue withholding his name until a decision is made next Monday.
The man’s trial has begun in the Rotorua High Court and is expected to last six weeks, with Pollett’s trial to continue later on Tuesday.
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