Man cleared of sexual charges

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 52

Man cleared of sexual charges

PA Auckland A 19-year-old Howick, Auckland, man has been cleared of sexual offence charges on condition that he leaves the country immediately. The man, Phillip Murray Barnes, flew to England on Monday after charges against him were withdrawn when he appeared in the District

Court at Otahuhu. Barnes faced charges of sexual indecencies on a girl, aged 15, and breach of bail. Judge Hall withdrew the charges at the request of the man and the girl on the understanding that Barnes board a flight for Britain immediately. Defence counsel, Mr Barry Wilson, told the

Court that Barnes would stay with his mother’s parents in Nottingham and would not return to New Zealand for some time. “If this course is not taken both parents have agreed it is clear that the girl will try to contact this young man and there will be an ongoing and diffi-

cult situation,” he said. Barnes had already breached bail by meeting the girl, who was “quite determined” that the relationship should continue. Judge Hall initially said he was unhappy with the idea because of public concern over sexual offences, but later said he accepted the situation the pair were in.