A comedian accused of sexually abusing a young girl has pleaded guilty to committing an indecent act on a child -- a lesser offence to what he was initially charged with.
The man, whose name is suppressed to protect the child's identity, was supposed to stand trial in Auckland District Court today, but defence and prosecution counsels instead struck a deal.
He was initially charged with unlawful sexual connection with a child under 12, but this was today dropped after he agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge.
Judge Philippa Cunningham indicated she would not impose a custodial sentence when the man next appears before the court on May 26.
The reasons for the change of charge were given in closed court, and the media were not allowed in.
The man was arrested after an incident in December 2009.
He was remanded today on bail.
