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The reverend who tried to get into parliament preaching morality and family values has confessed to abusing children.
The former leader of the Christian Heritage Party Graham Capill has pleaded guilty to five sexual charges against young girls, including one count of rape.
The 46-year-old had been awaiting sentence after pleading guilty in April to indecently assaulting an eight-year-old girl. Following the plea, Capill was freed on bail and was due to be sentenced in May when two women came forward and told police they were also molested by him. The offences allegedly occurred between 1990 and 1999.
On Tuesday, a tearful Capill pleaded guilty to three more charges of indecent assault, one of rape and one of unlawful sexual connection. The offences occurred when the women were under the age of 12.
Capill's offending came to light after a recent confrontation between him and one of the women. She was a bridesmaid at a wedding and got upset when he tried to kiss her while she was undressing.
For 13 years Capill fronted the morally conservative Christian Heritage Party and had most recently been working as a police prosecutor, presenting cases in the Christchurch District Court.
The offending began a year before he took over the party leadership and continued for more than a decade.
Current leader of Christian Heritage Ewan McQueen said he is appalled by the news.
McQueen said the offending is an absolute tragedy for the victims involved and it shows "breath-taking" hypocrisy by Capill.
But while his fall from grace has shocked many, some are still standing by him. "He's had tears with me, obviously thinking of himself, let the church down, that will be praying on his conscience for a long time," said Capill's friend Vic Pollard.
He said the time ahead will not be easy, but Capill has to pay the penalty.
Capill is in custody and because of concerns for his safety, has got protection. He will be sentenced next month and faces up to10 years in jail.
