Accused still in custody

The 37-year-old Kaitaia man charged with 17 sexual offences, the majority them against juvenile boys, was further remanded in custody until November 15 when he appeared before Judge John McDonald in the Kaitaia District Court on Thursday.

The majority of the hearing was devoted to an application by TVNZ, TV3 and Maori TV to film the proceedings, which was granted, counsel David James opposing it, but conceding that there was little he could say in support of continued name suppression. He did not apply for bail.

Daniel Luke Taylor, who until recently was the vice-president of the Kaitaia Business Association and described his occupation as a consultant, stood impassively in the dock facing the bench while Mr James argued against the filming application (which was supported by the police and three of Taylor's alleged victims, police prosecutor Duncan Coleman saying the fourth had not expressed a view).

This was only a remand appearance, Mr James said, and there would be nothing substantive to report on except that "someone" had appeared. It was a situation where the accused's interests might be given some weight.

"Not a great deal will be lost if he is not filmed," Mr James said.

Judge McDonald noted that the accused had already received a good deal of publicity from the print media, and that his photo had been published. Given that, and consent from the police and complainants, which outweighed any concerns raised by Taylor, the application would be approved.

Judge McDonald also declined to renew the interim suppression order imposed on Monday last week. (Taylor first appeared in Kaitaia on Thursday October 25, when suppression was neither sought nor granted. An order was issued on Monday last week, after Mr James made a late application).

"That horse has bolted, hasn't it? It had bolted before I made the interim order," Judge McDonald said.

Mr James replied that he could take the application no further, and the suppression order lapsed.

The charges - three of indecent assault on a man/boy aged 16 or over, eight of indecent assault on a boy under 12, four of indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16 and one apiece of attempted sexual connection with a boy under 12 and a boy 12-16 - relate to alleged offences committed between 2007 and early last year.

Detective Eddie Evans from the Child Protection Team in Kaitaia has asked that anyone who has any information to offer the investigation into Taylor contact him on (09) 408-6520.