More historic sex charges in Oamaru case
Eight more charges alleging historic sex offending have been laid against an Oamaru man who is already facing trial on another 48 similar charges.
When name suppression was lifted on Frank Russell Walmsley, 56, in December, the Oamaru police said they would like to hear from anyone who believed they could assist their investigation.
Since then Walmsley’s jury trial which had been scheduled for the Timaru District Court in February has been adjourned.
It is next due for a pre-trial session in Timaru in July. Defence counsel Craig Ruane said there may be discussion about joining the latest charges for a trial that is expected to take place late this year, in Timaru.
Walmsley, who described himself as a “life coach” last December, lives with his elderly father in Christchurch at present, and appeared before Judge Gary MacAskill in the Christchurch District Court today to face the latest charges.
The eight new charges date back more than 15 years and allege offending at Oamaru. They include a charge of unlawful sexual connection with a young person, and seven charges alleging sexual violation by rape. All involve the same complainant.
Police did not oppose bail when Walmsley appeared today, and it was granted with conditions about not contacting certain people involved with the investigation and not travelling to Oamaru. Walmsley must also surrender his passport. Mr Ruane said Walmsley’s wife, who still lives in Oamaru, would deliver it to either the Oamaru court or police station later today.
Judge MacAskill remanded Walmsley on bail to appear again in the Christchurch District Court on June 3 on the new charges.
In a decision by Justice David Collins in the High Court in December, Walmsley lost his name suppression on the 48 previous charges of historical sexual offending. He said the allegations were particularly serious and the community had a right to know the identity of a person charged with grave offending against girls.
Those charges name five complainants in Oamaru between 1999 and 2011. Alternative charges have been laid in 25 cases. The charges include sexual violation by rape, sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, performing an indecent act with intent to offend, performing an indecent act, indecent assault, attempted sexual violation by rape, attempted sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, assaulting a female, and assault with a weapon.
Category: Focus
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: