19 Aug 2008

Veitch in court on assault charges

8:10 am on 19 August 2008

Former sports presenter Tony Veitch has appeared in court after police arrested and charged him on Monday morning with seven counts of assault spanning more than three years.

The 34-year-old faces six charges of male-assaults-female and one of injuring with reckless disregard.

He faced the seven indictable charges in Auckland District Court when he appeared from the court cells early on Monday afternoon.

The charges were laid as a result of assault allegations made by his former partner Kristen Dunne-Powell.

Police say the offences against Ms Dunne-Powell took place in Auckland, Mangawhai and Rotorua between 2002 and January 2006.

Mr Veitch's lawyer, Stuart Grieve, QC, says all the charges will be strenuously defended.

Family members chose not to comment outside court, though Mr Veitch, speaking after his court appearance, said he was shocked to be facing the assault charges, which he would defend strenuously. He also said every story had two sides and he was looking forward to telling his.

Taunts

A man who was leaving the court cells told Radio New Zealand Mr Veitch was kept in a separate area, away from others who were due in the dock.

The man said Mr Veitch walked past them twice and that people were yelling "did you do it" and "come in here and we'll have a talk".

Mr Veitch must surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions and not attempt to communicate with Ms Dunne-Powell.

He will next appear in court in late September.