A man charged with sexual offences against a child under the age of 16 has indicated he will plead guilty to most of the accusations.
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Obiyo Chigozie Nwigwe, 43, appeared at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Thursday for a committal mention.
Defence lawyer David Tamanika indicated Nwigwe, who was working in Bendigo as a doctor, would plead guilty to six of the charges relating to alleged sexual offences against a girl under the age of 16.
Nwigwe's charge sheets reveal he is accused of grooming, intentionally sexually penetrating the girl a number of times, touching her and sending her indecent images between January and April, 2020.
Mr Tamanika said Nwigwe would plead not guilty to two charges of sexually touching a second complainant.
He requested the charges be split so the six charges Nwigwe would plead guilty to could be heard in the County Court before the end of the year, while the two charges he was contesting could be heard separately.
Mr Tamanika said this would finalise the matter involving the young complainant sooner.
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Magistrate Ron Saines said despite the prosecution's agreeance to the proposal, he required more time to consider the potential repercussions of hearing the charges separately.
He said he was concerned two different judicial officers could end up having to sentence Nwigwe for alleged offences that happened at a similar time.
Crown prosecutor Michelle Zammitt said the offending against each complainant was different, however both were "terrible situations where there is a breach in trust and authority".
She said she was concerned the contested charges would delay the substantive matter and cause the family significant distress.
"I have instructions from the younger complainant who is keen to have these matters finalised," Ms Zammit said. "It is causing her distress."
Mr Saines adjourned the case to October 1 to receive further submissions. Nwigwe remains on bail.
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