By Jimmy Ellingham, from RNZ
Content Warning: This story contains discussions about sexual abuse of children.
The prominent Palmerston North, arrested for sexually violating a 14 -year -old boy in 2007, will keep his name secret for now.
The man was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison at the District Court of Northern Palmeston last Friday.
He was considered a leader in his profession and was known in the community.
Judge Stephanie Edwards refused her request for permanent name suppression, but made a temporary order until 11am today to allow her lawyer to register an appeal against the decision.
The court confirmed that this morning one would be presented, so the suppression will remain until a decision is made at the Court of Appeal in Wellington.
The request for suppression of the man included concerns about prison security due to the actions of the victim or his associates, something that Judge Edwards said was not supported by evidence.
“Submission is speculative and launches sprinkles about the victim’s character,” she said.
The application also cited concerns about the effect that the survey suppression would have about the members of the man’s family.
Judge Edwards said that in favor of surveying the suppression was the conviction of serious sexual offenses and loss of presumption of innocence; public interest; the victim’s opinions; And the most complainant chance would be presented as a result of the publication.
His victim, whose name is automatically suppressed, told RNZ, “I want him to be named so that others can present themselves. We will be realistic, there are others out there.”
In the sentence, the court heard the man deny his offense, of which he was considered guilty in a trial at the end of last year.
He also appealed against his convictions.
The victim met the man, now over 50, through the Nzdating website in 2007.
The victim’s profile said he was 19, but the crown said the man knew he was younger when he talked online.
When they met in person, the man put the boy with alcohol and then got involved in sexual activities.
It was initially consensual, but that changed and the victim said he was raped, although in New Zealand rape involving only one penis and a vagina.
Police investigated in 2008, but did not file a complaint before recharging in 2023, when another complainant filed.
The man was in this case not considered to be guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager who visited his Manawatū home after the couple talked to the Gay Grindr dating app.
The 2007 victim told RNZ that he felt sorry for the complainant in the 2023 incident, because without him presenting the police he would not have done in the case of 2007.
“He is the reason why I managed to end my life. Now he will not have this opportunity.”
The court last week heard that the man was diagnosed with a disorder of alcohol and drugs and depression, although the references provided to the court were positive about him and his altruistic approach to his profession.
Defense lawyer Steve Winter said the man had two sides in his life.
Where to get help:
New Zealand Police.
Support to the victim 0800 842 846.
Rape crisis: 0800 88 33 00.
Rape prevention education.
Empowerment confidence.
Help (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
SAFE TO CONSERT: 0800 044 334.
Tautoko tāne male survivors tootearoa.
Network of survivors of those abused by priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496.
Need to speak? Call or free text 1737 at any time to speak to a trained counselor for any reason.
Life Lele: 0800 543 354 or text aid to 4357.
If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
