23 Oct 2014

Extra charges for backpackers' owner

4:59 pm on 23 October 2014

A Kaitaia lodge owner charged with drugging guests and filming them has had two more charges laid against him.

Michael Harris

Michael Harris Photo: SUPPLIED

Michael Harris was facing 49 charges relating to alleged offences against young men staying at his backpackers hostel, Main Street Lodge.

However, that had increased to 51 charges, including 12 of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - by stupefying his guests.

Mr Harris is also charged with 20 counts of indecently assaulting men aged over 16 and nine counts each of making and possessing an intimate visual recording.

He has been remanded on bail to an Auckland address for two weeks on a raft of conditions, including a curfew and travel restrictions, no cameras, no internet and a ban on anyone staying overnight at his house.

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