A Gloriavale school teacher who allegedly assaulted four children aged between 9 and 11 years, declined an offer of legal aid when he appeared in the Greymouth District Court today on seven charges of assaulting children.
The alleged offending was between March 2017 and April this year.
Judge Alistair Garland offered Vigilant Standtrue, 39, an opportunity to consult with a duty lawyer, however Standtrue declined, saying the "Lord" was helping him.
Standtrue said the main reason he opted not to engage a lawyer was a matter of his faith.
Judge Garland accepted that.
Standtrue, who did not seek name suppression, said he was not in a position to plead to the charges as he was due to have discussions towards resolution with the Crown on Friday.
