Fake truancy officer admits teen attacks

Dion Tau. Photo / Supplied

A 15-year-old schoolgirl in uniform was listening to her iPod while walking home when she met Dion Selwyn Tau.

Well dressed and clutching a clipboard, Tau told her he was a truancy officer and needed to check her school identification and notify her parents.

The 42-year-old told the girl to get into his car and he would drop her home.

She was taken home but Tau beat her and pushed her downstairs and into a cupboard before forcing her into a lewd act. He then wrapped a towel around her head and told her to count to 100, stole her schoolbag containing a digital camera and DVDs and fled.

The 15-year-old was one of three teenage girls Tau admitted sexually assaulting when he pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court yesterday to 12 sex charges and two theft charges.

Crown prosecutor Scott McColgan told the court he would be seeking a sentence of preventative detention. That would mean Tau, a mental health worker, would be locked up for an indefinite period.

The stocky man stood in the dock with his head bowed and hands clasped in front of him as the court registrar read out each charge.

He answered "guilty" in a quiet voice while family members of one of his victims looked on.

After Judge Mark Perkins adjourned the court, family members wiped tears from their faces and embraced.

Detective Sergeant Megan Goldie led the police investigation and said the pleas had been "a long time coming".

"It will spare the girls the trauma of reliving it," Ms Goldie said.

Tau also attacked a 13-year-old girl after asking her for directions to a local rugby league club in 2007. She told him where to go but Tau insisted she show him. The 13-year-old got into his car.

Tau asked her if she used drugs. She said no. He drove past the rugby club and began hitting her in the head and trying to force her head into his lap.

Tau told her to take off her clothes but the girl refused and said she could not because of the seatbelt.

He also threatened to hurt her.

"I could have been some psycho and you could have ended up dead in the bush," Tau said.

He forced her to perform oral sex before dropping her off.

Tau's third victim was a cafe worker walking home in July last year. Tau asked the 16-year-old if she was a "worker". She said no and Tau grabbed her and pulled her into his car.

He told the young woman he would give her a lift home.

"Do what I ask and everything will be all right," he said.

She told Tau where she lived but Tau got on the Northwestern Motorway instead and drove to Pt Chevalier.

The 16-year-old pleaded to be let go. Tau told her he had "eyes all over town", he had been in the military and was linked to the Tribesman gang.

"Just do as I ask or I will kill you with my bare hands," Tau told the girl.

He told her to get into the back seat before he sexually assaulted her and forced her to give him oral sex.

Tau then drove the woman back to the Shell Station in Pitt St.

All three young women were left traumatised.

Tau is facing more charges relating to three other young women. Ms Goldie said the charges had not been dropped. He is also facing an assault charge.

Tau's sentencing has been set down for February.