'Absolute courage' the difference

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One of the detectives who led the investigation that culminated in last week's sentencing of James Parker on 74 charges of sexual offending against boys and youths said the difference between the 2009 allegations against Parker and those made last year was the "absolute courage" of one boy.

Detective Mark Dalzell told a press conference after Parker was sentenced in Whangarei last week that in 2009 a boy had told police his complaint was a lie, which denied police any evidence upon which to base an investigation.

Shortly after Parker's arrest it was stated that the 2009 complaint had been withdrawn as a result of pressure brought to bear on a boy by his family, but the press conference was told that Parker had "interactions" with the boy before the youngster was interviewed.

Detective Dalzell said the officer in charge of the 2009 investigation had interviewed Parker "robustly and at length," and the allegations were denied. It was disappointing that Parker had not been arrested then, but the police had followed every avenue they could.

"We still faced the challenges in 2012 that we faced in 2009, and that was to win the trust and confidence of our boys, making them feel comfortable enough to talk to us, and once we did that we got our evidence," he added.

Concerns about Parker behaving inappropriately had been raised as early as 1998, but no formal complaint was laid with police at that time.

Meanwhile, Far North police area commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard said last week that complaints of sexual abuse and offending were taken very seriously, and police wanted victims to know they could be confident that complaints would be acted upon.

"It is very difficult for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and make a complaint, and we believe this case shows that victims can have confidence in the system," she said.

"The police, Child, Youth and Family staff and expert therapists worked well together to ensure the children were supported through the investigation, and as a result the police were able to hold the offender accountable."

The victims would need ongoing support despite last week's sentencing, however.

"The communities of Pamapuria and Kaitaia have also been shocked and traumatised by the nature and extent of Parker's offending, and we hope that today's sentencing will help those communities begin the healing process," Inspector Robilliard said.

Marion Heeney, Te Tai Tokerau regional director for Child, Youth and Family, said the investigation had been a lengthy one, and it had been a very difficult time for the victims, their whanau and the wider community.

"The effects of James Parker's offending will continue to be felt, and it's important that we continue to provide support to all those affected," she said.

"I would like to acknowledge the courage of the young victims throughout this investigation. I must also acknowledge the efforts of my staff and the police in bringing this case to court."