A Kaitaia businessman facing multiple sex charges against young boys was preparing to leave for Australia when he was arrested after learning of the police investigation, a court has heard.
Daniel Luke Taylor, 37, was denied bail and remanded in custody this morning when he appeared before Judge Greg Davis in the Kaitaia District Court.
He faces 19 charges of indecent assaults on boys aged under 12, 12-to-16 and 16 years and over. One alternative charge of attempted unlawful sexual connection has also been laid. No pleas have yet been entered.
The judge said Taylor, who until recently was the vice-chairman of the Kaitaia Business Association, presented a "real and appreciable'' risk of further offending if released from custody.
Bail was opposed by police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Brocas on the grounds that Taylor had apparently been making plans to leave for Australia prior to his arrest, after he became aware that his alleged offending was under investigation. Police said that suggested Taylor was a flight risk.