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.
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.
