A MAN who is well-known in Newcastle’s Greek community stands accused of sexual assault.
Dimitrios Patsantzopoulos, 82, of Hamilton South, is facing 16 separate historical charges – including three counts of sexual assault, seven counts of assault female and commit act of indecency on a child aged under 16, buggery, attempted buggery and four counts of assault with act of indecency.
The charges relate to incidents that allegedly occurred between 1976 and 1992.
There are three alleged victims.
In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, Mr Patsantzopoulos’s solicitor, Christopher O’Brien, said his client was suffering health issues. The 82-year-old suffered a stroke some years ago, according to documents tendered to the court.
The court heard additional material still needed to be served “in the context of negotiations”.
Magistrate Ian Cheetham adjourned the matter to March 7 for the setting of a hearing date.
Mr Patsantzopoulos was arrested on May 23 last year after an investigation by Newcastle City detectives. Police allege the majority of the incidents took place in Newcastle.
He remains on conditional bail.
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