A former state-approved caregiver accused of sexually abusing teenage boys has had six of the charges dismissed during the trial.
Earl William Opetaia in the High Court at Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond
Earl William Opetaia, who was Child, Youth and Family-approved carer, is four days into an expected six week trial at Auckland High Court.
He still faces 27 charges, including sexual violation, indecency with boys aged between 12 and 16, drug supply and threatening to kill.
The Crown Prosecutor Henry Steele informed the judge he would not be offering any evidence in relation to six charges, and they were dismissed.
Justice Gault told the jury they should remove those charges from their minds, and only consider the evidence presented from here on.