Thursday, 12 December 2013 - 5:13pm |
Eastern

Police appeal to possible victims

2 min read

Police believe there may be further alleged victims of a man who has been charged with sex offences against Hawke's Bay women.

Former ambulance officer, Christopher Roger King, 47, of Waipukurau, appeared in the Napier District Court today to face seven charges including sexual violation, indecent assault and making an intimate visual recording.

The offending is alleged to have occurred between 2010 and 2013 in Central Hawke's Bay and Hastings and involves four different women.  One of the complainants was aged under 16 at the time of the alleged offending.

King was remanded on bail until 13 February next year when he appeared in court today.

Some of the charges relate to alleged offending that occurred during the course of King's employment as an ambulance officer in Central Hawke's Bay in July 2013.

Officer in charge of the Eastern District Police Child Protection Team, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Greig, said charges against King were first laid in August.  Since then, more women had approached police to complain of alleged sexual offending by King.

"It's possible that there may be more women in the community who have been offended against by King and we would very much like to hear from them. We appreciate how difficult it can be for victims to approach police in these circumstances, but we can assure anyone who comes forward that they will be treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity.

"They will be fully supported throughout any resulting investigative or judicial process. Victims can approach us in complete confidence if they prefer.  Police can also help with access to appropriate support agencies if that is required," Mr Greig said.

Anyone who has concerns about their previous dealings with King should contact the officer in charge of the case, Detective Grant Jarvis of the Hawke's Bay Police Child Protection Team on 06 8310700. 

Police are unable to comment any further on the case as it is now before the courts.

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Any media queries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 027 2223638.