January 07, 2013

Masseur may defend indecency charges

By David Clarkson at Nga Hau e Wha marae

A masseur charged with four indecent assaults on women in the course of his work at shopping malls has indicated he may defend the allegations at trial.

The man, 58-year-old Cunbin Zhang, was charged with one indecent assault at the time of his first court appearance on December 10, but more women complainants have approached the police since then.

Zhang was granted a registrar?s remand today, without needing to appear before the judge at the Christchurch District Court session at Nga Hau e Wha marae in Aranui.

He has elected trial and the case has been remanded with Zhang on bail to February 15, for a post-committal conference.

During the remand, a judge will consider the police evidence and decide whether the case should be sent for trial before a jury.