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Capill awaits sentence over sex abuse

Apr 1, 2005 6:44 PM

The man who was the face of Christian politics in New Zealand for more than a decade is awaiting sentence on a child sex abuse charge.
   
Graham Capill, the former leader of the Christian Heritage Party, admitted the offence in the Christchurch District Court.
 
Police began investigating Capill in February, after receiving a complaint relating to events in 2001.

The prominent New Zealander, whose identity can now be revealed, has been a former reverend, politician, lawyer and police prosecutor.

At Capill's last court appearance he was attacked outside court.

The politician, who campaigned on family values and sexual morality, admitted the charge of indecent assault  on a female under the age of 12.

Capill, close to tears, stood in court with his head bowed and hands clasped. His lawyer said the early guilty plea reflected Capill's deep shame and heartfelt remorse for the offences which occurred three years ago.

The crown says he indecently touched the then eight-year-old victim on three or four occasions, as she lay in her pyjamas in bed.

Friday's court appearance ended without incident, unlike last week when he was set upon by a member of the public.

Capill was punched twice in the face before his lawyer wrestled the man to the ground.  

The 46-year-old was the Christian Heritage Party's first leader and campaigned on family values, and  ironically on children's right to safety.

"I don't think we should ever tolerate child abuse...I don't think we should ever tolerate violence," Capill said in 1994.

He retired from the party in 2003.

The Christian Heritage Party is in shock about the news. Leader Ewan McQueen says Capill's shameful actions were destructive to the victim and also brought reproach on the party and the wider Christian community.

McQueen says he's still coming to terms with the news. However he says Capill has played no role in the Christian Heritage Party since 2003 and had recently resigned his membership.

Since last August Capill has been employed by police as a court prosecutor, and has now been stood down.

Capill will be back in court next month for his own sentencing, where he will face a possible 10 year jail term. 

Meanwhile police have defended their decision to escort Capill for his court appearance even though he was not in their custody.

They say the security was put in place to ensure no repeat of last week's attack on him.
 
He was driven to and from court in an unmarked police car which sped away as media cameras approached.