A community constable accused of indecently assaulting five teenage girls has broken down in tears while giving evidence in his own defence.
But a lack of evidence has seen one count of indecent assault dropped in the trial of Hawkes Bay police officer Adam Dunnett, who is now facing nine sexual charges.
The 37-year-old Flaxmere constable denies the remaining nine counts of indecent assault on five teenage woman.
Dunnett is now on the witness stand and giving evidence on day four of his trial. He has already broken down in tears and was told by Judge Atkins to slow down despite the "nervousness" he may be feeling.
Defence lawyer Jonathan Krebs submitted that one of the complainants, during her testimony as a Crown witness, did not give evidence regarding an alleged indecent assault in 2011.
Despite another witness giving evidence about the episode, the Crown did not oppose the application and Judge Les Atkins QC said the count would be discharged and will not proceed with "no evidence to support it".
- Sam Hurley of Hawke's Bay Today
