Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	Waikato Times December 18, 1997 Hamilton teacher denies sex abuse charges by James McOnie A Hamilton teacher accused of sexually abusing young boys denied the charges in court today. Backed by a band of 12, mostly women, supporters at a depositions hearing in Hamilton District Court, John Timothy Edgar, was asked if he wanted to plead guilty to seven counts of indecent assault of boys under 12. Edgar replied: "Definitely not." The 37-year-old was remanded on bail until February 3 when he will face trial in the High Court at Hamilton. Edgar was suspended, and then resigned, from Hukanui Primary School last month after police laid charges. He had been a teacher at the school for seven years. One of the charges dates back to 1991. Outside the courtroom after his brief appearance before two JPs, Edgar chatted to his supporters, among them parents of pupils and fellow teachers. Edgar's lawyer Mark Hammond thanked the supporters and told the Waikato Times he had received 30 letters and numerous phonecalls from people backing Edgar. "There's been an exceptional amount of support for him," Mr Hammond said. As part of his bail conditions, Edgar was granted permission to holiday with his family at Mt Maunganui from Christmas Day until January 3. A previous condition of his bail -- to stay away from all schools in the Hamilton area -- still stands. In an attempt by police last month to alert a potential "vast pool" of victims, they successfully asked Judge Robert Spear to lift a suppression order and allow the media to name Edgar and the school. But no further charges have been added. Edgar first appeared in Hamilton District Court a month ago facing one indecent assault charge involving a boy aged 11. A week later he was charged with another six counts of indecent assault. Today in court, Edgar stood directly behind his lawyer in court to deny all seven charges. -------------------- CAPTION: JOHN EDGAR: High Court trial