A former political figure is facing a trial in Auckland District Court, accused of sexually abusing two teenage boys in the late 1990s. The accused, now in his 50s, is not currently a Member of Parliament and has been granted name suppression, meaning his identity cannot be revealed.

The jury has already heard testimonies from both men who accuse the defendant of indecent assault. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between 1995 and 1999 in various towns in the Auckland and Waikato regions.

Allegations and Defense

One of the men, who was underage at the time, testified that the accused took advantage of him by giving him alcohol at parties and then abusing him when he was intoxicated. The other complainant described a similar experience. The defense, however, denies all allegations, arguing that the accusations are fabricated. Defense lawyer Ian Brookie suggested that the complainants might have invented the stories, possibly out of humiliation or other motives.

Details of the Incidents

The first complainant described an incident where the accused touched him inappropriately. He said that he decided to report the abuse to the police nearly two decades later after seeing the accused in a news article, which triggered a strong emotional response. During cross-examination, the complainant denied making up the allegations out of embarrassment or political reasons.

The second complainant, who knew the accused through a sports club, testified that the defendant had been like a mentor to him. He described an incident where the accused gave him a painful “nipple cripple” that left bruises. This incident was addressed by the club through an apology from the accused.

The second complainant also recounted a night at the defendant’s house where several club members drank alcohol together. He later went to sleep in the defendant’s room, only to be woken by the accused’s inappropriate advances. He described the situation as unsettling but not immediately frightening. The next morning, the defendant allegedly tried to take off his pants again, prompting the complainant to leave the house.

After these incidents, the second complainant informed his parents, who eventually took the matter to the police.

Ongoing Trial

The trial, overseen by Judge David Sharp and a jury of six men and six women, is expected to last for five days. As the trial continues, both the defense and prose. Source RNZ