Man remanded in custody over historic indecency charges

File photo / NZ Herald

A Waikato man charged with historic sex offences against boys has been remanded in custody.

Douglas Richard Peters, 68, was arrested last month and taken into custody on 10 charges against five victims between 1978 and 1987.

He made his first appearance in relation to the charges in the Waitakere District Court this afternoon, and was remanded in custody by the judge until a plea hearing next month.

Peters is charged with five counts of indecent assault and five counts of inducing an indecent act upon him.

The boys' ages ranged from 5- to 15-years-old. Police said most were about 10 when they encountered the accused. They are all now aged in their late 30s and early 40s.

Detective Grainne Scott of the Henderson adult sexual assault team said the bulk of the alleged offending occurred in the accused's Owairaka home, his car, or at locations connected to the various sporting activities he participated in around Mt Albert, Western Springs, Avondale and Pt Chevalier.

Peters has had his first appearance delayed twice because of medical conditions. His lawyer did not seek name suppression.

Mr Scott said the victims had shown a lot of courage laying their complaints with police. The investigation of the complaints led to the charges being laid.

"It's possible there are others who came into contact with the accused over the years who may have information they wish to share with police and we encourage anyone who has concerns to contact police to discuss,'' Mr Scott said.