A former political figure is on trial in Auckland for allegedly sexually abusing two teenage boys in the 1990s. The man, in his 50s, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges of indecent assault. The accusations involve two boys, one of whom was underage at the time, and incidents that occurred between 1995 and 1999 in Auckland and Waikato.
The prosecution argues that the man took advantage of the boys, whom he mentored at a sports club. He allegedly provided them with alcohol at parties and then abused them when they were drunk. The defendant denies these claims, and his lawyer states that the complainants are lying.
During the trial, the jury watched a video interview where the first complainant described two instances of sexual assault. He detailed an event from early 1995 when, at 15 years old, he was staying with the defendant for a sports trip. After drinking alcohol, he went to bed and later awoke naked next to the defendant, who was also naked. The complainant reported being touched inappropriately and expressed feelings of disgust and fear during the incident.
In the second incident, which happened about a year later at the defendant’s house, the complainant, now older, had consumed alcohol and cannabis. He woke up again next to the defendant in bed. He noted that he had been partially undressed and tried to resist the defendant’s advances, eventually leaving the room to sleep elsewhere.
The jury is expected to hear more from this complainant in the coming days. The trial is set to last five days under Judge David Sharp.
For anyone needing help, there are resources available, including NZ Police, Victim Support, and Rape Crisis hotlines. If it is an emergency, please call 111.
