Salvation Army captain appears in court

Brian Martin

A head of the Rotorua Salvation Army has resigned his position after being charged with performing an indecent act in public.

Brian Noel Martin, 64, appeared briefly before a registrar in the Rotorua District Court yesterday charged with doing an indecent act in a public place.

The offence is alleged to have happened on December 6 in Amohia St, Rotorua.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.

No further details around the allegation are known.

Martin was the Rotorua Salvation Army Community Ministries manager for several years.

He was remanded on bail without plea to reappear in the Rotorua District Court on January 28.

His bail conditions require him to reside at his Rotorua address and obey a curfew of 9pm to 7am.

Salvation Army territorial secretary for personnel Captain Gerry Walker said Martin's involvement with the Salvation Army was suspended at the time of his arrest and he had since resigned.

"Until the case has gone through the court process, there's not much more that I can say," he said.

"But I would like to reassure members of the public that the Rotorua Community Ministries is still in preparation for Christmas and thanks to all the people of Rotorua, the media, the community, for their support."

Donations to the foodbank can be made at the Rotorua Daily Post office in Hinemoa St or food donations only can also be made at the Salvation Army at Community House in Haupapa St.