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Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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A woman who complained to police
about former Salvation Army captain John Gainsford says he touched her
indecently almost daily. She told the High Court in Timaru
yesterday that Gainsford's offending got worse over her time at the former
Bramwell Booth children's home in Temuka, South Canterbury, and it was a
"nice reprieve if he left me alone for a bit". After each incident, she said, he
told her she was a good girl. "It was always the
same," she said. Gainsford had admitted four counts
of indecency but denied 23 other counts of indecency and rape. All the charges relate to his time
as manager of the children's home in the 1970s. Gainsford was to give evidence
yesterday, but the trial stalled because of the last-minute unavailability of
the Crown's last witness. His flight was delayed. Gainsford is expected to give
evidence today, after which the Crown, defence and Justice Fogarty will sum
up. The complainant, who cannot be
named, said Gainsford's offending got worse over his two-year tenure at
Bramwell Booth. Once after bringing her back from hospital he asked if she
would like to help steer the van. She said an indecency took place and
Gainsford told her it was their secret and that she was a good girl. After each incident, she said it
was always the same – he told her she was a good girl. She said the offending got worse,
culminating in him trying unsuccessfully to have sex with her. The witness said she knew the
offending was wrong but was scared and could not tell anyone. She later told an adult at the
home what had been happening to her, after which Gainsford left. She believed Gainsford had gone to
jail after leaving the home and approached police two years ago when she
learnt he had not. Gainsford's counsel, Paul Dacre,
said Gainsford would deny many of the accusations. To suggestions that her memory may
not be accurate, the witness said: "Oh, I remember." |
