Nelson man faces more than 100 new sex charges

Nelson Police have successfully opposed name suppression for a man now facing more than 100 charges for sexual offending, in his third appearance in the Nelson District Court today.

William "Bill" Herbert Mortensen, 53, a self-employed carpet cleaner of Nelson today faced 108 new charges including Sexual Violation by Unlawful Sexual Connection with a girl under 12 years of age, and 107 charges under the Films Videos and Publications Act including: 40 charges of Knowingly Makes an Objectionable Publication, 12 charges of Knowingly Supplies Objectionable Material and 55 charges of Knowingly Possesses Objectionable Material.

Police have opposed name suppression as they believe members of the public may be able to provide further information relevant to the investigation.

At his first appearance in January this year Mortensen faced two charges of Sexual Violation by Unlawful Sexual Connection with a male aged 12 to 16 years of age, along with two charges of Indecent Assault on a male under 16 years of age.

At his second appearance in February this year Mortensen faced 18 additional charges, including eight charges of Performing an Indecent Act on a girl under 12 years of age, three Theft charges, six charges of Committing an Indecency with an Animal and one charge of Assault with Intent to Injure.

Mortensen has been remanded in custody to appear in the Nelson District Court on 25 June 2012.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has information that may be relevant to this investigation. Please contact Detective Pat Nally or Detective Sergeant Craig Johnston at Nelson Police, Ph 546 3840.