A prisoner accused of raping three of his cellmates has told a jury no sexual contact was made at all.
The accused man claims no sexual contact was made with any of the three complainants. Photo: Flickr / David Zoppo
William Katipa has denied 14 charges, including sexual violation and threatening to kill while in prison.
Before he took the stand in the High Court in Auckland today, his lawyer, Scott Clark, told the jury it was up to the Crown to prove his guilt and that if there was any reasonable doubt, they would have to find him not guilty.
Describing Katipa as a humble man who was actively involved in education in prison, Mr Clark said his client was puzzled by the allegations.
Giving evidence this afternoon, Katipa said no sexual contact was made with any of the three complainants while he shared a cell with them.
He said he did cover a peephole into the cell, but said that was commonly done to allow privacy for things like going to the toilet.