Former Salvation Army captain charged with sex abuse

An elderly Auckland man will stand trial on multiple sex-abuse charges from his time as manager of a Salvation Army children's home in the 1970s.

John Francis Gainsford, 69, managed the Bramwell Booth children's home in Temuka, South Canterbury, between January 1973 and January 1975, and allegedly abused seven young people in that time.

He faces 28 charges of sexual violation and other indecencies, and is expected to stand trial later this year.

The Salvation Army said it had been up to 30 years since Mr Gainsford, a former captain, was involved with the organisation. The home ceased caring for children in the late 1970s.

It has accepted that abuse took place at its children's homes, all of which are now closed. In recent years the army had met dozens of people claiming they were abused.

"We are aware of instances in the past where people in the care of the Salvation Army were abused," said spokesman Major Alistair Herring.

"In some instances [the abusers] are no longer alive. It has horrified us that this could occur for any child at any time."

Some people simply wanted to tell their story, some wanted an explanation and apology, while others sought cash payouts or assistance with counselling or therapy, which the Salvation Army had provided, he said.

Of the seven alleged victims of Gainsford, some had approached the Salvation Army before going to police to make a complaint.

"It is standard practice to advise people to seek legal advice and support and we have assured them if it leads to them approaching police then we will fully co-operate with the investigation," said Mr Herring.

Only a small handful of complaints from people who had approached the Salvation Army had still to be settled, he said. The organisation was open to others coming forward.