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Hostel owner "filmed himself abusing tourists"

Police are looking to speak to anyone who may have stayed in the Mainstreet Lodge, Kaitaia, New Z...
Newstalk
Newstalk

12.31 10 Sep 2014


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Hostel owner "filmed h...

Hostel owner "filmed himself abusing tourists"

Newstalk
Newstalk

12.31 10 Sep 2014


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Police are looking to speak to anyone who may have stayed in the Mainstreet Lodge, Kaitaia, New Zealand in connection with several incidents involving hostel owner, Michael Harris.

Harris, 56, has been charged with 39 offences against 16 men, aged 18-25, including indecent assault, aggravated wounding related to allegedly drugging the suspected victims', and making intimate visual recordings, police said.

The men in question were mostly overseas tourists who stayed in the hostel over the past two-and-a-half years.

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Police said they were looking to speak with anyone who had stayed at the lodge in the last few years to find out whether there are other potential victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said in a statement: "These victims are unlikely to know that something has happened to them, although they may have suspicions.

"This is an ongoing investigation and we have a lot of work ahead to assess evidence and establish if there are further victims we are not yet aware of."

Harris is in custody and will appear in Kaitaia District Court next week.

The Mainstreet Lodge website states: "Mike welcomes guests to come and discover the unspoilt Far North.

"Mainstreet Lodge is a great option for budget conscious travellers and backpackers, and a great place to connect with other travellers."


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