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Allegations
of Sexual Abuse |
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Edgar is a former
teacher of the school, accused of indecently assaulting boys and on trial in
Hamilton District Court. Mrs White today
described Edgar as an honest teacher who was regarded by fellow teachers as
professional. A "debacle",
such as carrying children in the playground, would be noticed by children and
teachers. Mrs White said children
would also notice if messengers came in to the classroom during class. The Crown alleges Edgar
touched boys' genitals when they came into his room to deliver messages. Edgar yesterday said
two of the boys made up their allegations together. He told the jury the boys
were best friends and in the same class at Hukanui. They would have talked to
another boy who had made similar allegations. "I'm afraid a group of children
like that do get together like that in a school." He has been accused of
touching the genitals of six boys and looking at another boy's penis while a
teacher at the school. Edgar consistently denied the allegations throughout
his seven hours on the witness stand. Defence counsel Roger Laybourn plans to call another 10 witnesses. The trial is
expected to end early next week. Hukanui assistant
principal Shona Mitchell was on the interview
committee that hired Edgar eight years ago. She said Edgar ran a child-centred
classroom that was very stimulating. He also had a good rapport with
children. She said she never saw
him behave inappropriately towards children. |
