The trial of a former Maitland massage therapist over allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent is now expected to be moved to the state capital.
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Mervyn Fullford, 63, faced Newcastle District Court on Thursday where he pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including indecent assault of a person under 16, sexual touching of another person without consent and assault with an act of indecency.
He is accused of touching some alleged victims on the vagina or breasts - the alleged offences reportedly took place between 2013 and 2020.
The court heard on Thursday there were 17 complainants.
But Judge Roy Ellis said he could not accommodate a trial in Newcastle of the estimated length Mr Fullford faces - four to six weeks - and adjourned the matter to next week to allow for inquiries about possible trial dates in Sydney District Court.
Mr Fullford is a former massage therapist who spent time working for the Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club. He was arrested in February last year and remains on bail.
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