Man facing sex charges allegedly punched teen

File Photo / NZH

A man charged with a raft of child sex offences allegedly punched a 13-year-old boy while bailed to an address near a primary school and kindergarten, a court was told today.

Dion Selwyn Tau, 42, is due to stand trial next Monday on 17 charges, including abduction with intent to commit unlawful sexual connection with girls under 16, sexual violation and indecent assault, burglary, theft and threatening to kill.

The offences relate to complaints made by six young girls.

Despite opposition from the Crown, he was in October granted bail so he could prepare his defence case, but with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Tau was back in Auckland District Court today after allegedly punching a 13-year-old boy while on bail.

His alleged victim was understood to be a student at an Auckland intermediate school, which notified Child, Youth and Family about the alleged assault.

Tau's lawyer, Heeni Phillips, said her client denied the allegation and requested his bail be continued.

The boy had a propensity to lie, she said, and police had not taken statements from some witnesses who would testify to her client's innocence.

Crown prosecutor Scott McColgan urged Judge Phil Gittos to deny bail on the grounds of risk to the community.

"The primary concern is that he was bailed on the most stringent on terms yet this complaint was made.

"It is fairly obvious why he should not be granted bail it's about risk today, your honour," he said.

Judge Gittos agreed and remanded Tau in custody.

"Given the proximity of the trial, a week away, and the serious nature of the charges I think the court is to take a conservative view.

"I think the risk assessment aspect needs to take primacy now."

- NZPA