Arthur Allan Thomas to face rape trial

Jurors in the trial of Arthur Allan Thomas will hear evidence from 12 witnesses, a court has heard. Thomas, now aged 83, was twice wrongfully convicted for the murders of Jeanette and Harvey Crewe, but now faces a historical rape charge and four charges of indecent assault. The charges relate to two women. Thomas has denied the charges and faces a two-week jury trial at the Manukau District Court. Crown prosecutor Aaron Perkins yesterday said he would call 12 witnesses. Judge John Bergseng told the jurors not to do any research of their own. ‘‘It’s important Mr Thomas is only to be tried in relation to the information in front of you.’’ He warned jurors not to go on the internet and not to announce on Facebook that they were on the jury. Suppression orders made by the court in 2019 remain in place, preventing Stuff from reporting much of the evidence given in court.