'Pied Piper' of Kaitaia 'sorry' for crimes

Email
Print

Paedophile teacher 'sorry' for crimes

3News NZ

James Parker

James Parker

By Amanda Gillies

A Northland teacher sobbed in court today as he pleaded guilty to 49 charges of indecently assaulting young boys.

James Parker was described by one of those at court as the "Pied Piper" of Pamapuria School, near Kaitaia.

But even as he admitted his guilt, Parker also pleaded for understanding, saying he is not the monster people think he is.

The 37-year-old was a primary school teacher and deputy principal at this Pamapuria School for 12 years.

He's now pleaded guilty to 25 charges of indecent assault, 15 of performing an indecent act and nine of unlawful sexual connection.

"Believe it or not, these crimes were committed against people I care about very much," he said in court. "I wish I could fix the damage I have caused."

Many in the public gallery sobbed they listened to the once highly respected and well-liked community member.

"As a teacher and deputy principal I held a position of great trust. My actions betrayed that trust I have let you all down, causing huge amounts of unnecessary stress. I am truly sorry."

The school says it is in shock. The principal is on leave, and an investigation is underway.

So how does a school end up employing a paedophile?

"That… is an issue we will investigate in this formal investigation," says school commissioner Larry Forbes. "[It] first came to my attention extremely recently. I can't comment if other people were aware of what was happening."

But former school staff member Shanla Mulligan says there were rumours circulating two years ago.

She said everyone loved and trusted Parker.

"We used to call him the Pied Piper of [Pamapuria School], he was just awesome. You never saw James without a child in his car, ever. He always had then stay over, mothers happily left their children with him because we trusted him."

Now Mulligan is counselling his victims.

Parker was remanded in custody for sentencing on November 15.

3 News

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

25/08/2012 7:52:41 a.m.

Divadays wrote:

Lets get one thing straight here... "Unlawful Sexual Connection" is RAPE. Call it what you will but be under no illusions...this "man" IS a monster. This is where the death penalty should be used. How many lives has he effed up? The victims, the parents and families, the school, the community, how many men are now going to have sideways looks passed at them when they are seen holding the hand of a child, driving with a child, even speaking with a child now? I have ZERO mercy for those the eff with - especially - kids and the elderly. YOU MAKE ME SICK parker. Go to Gen Pop...have a great time...for the short time you will be there of course. SICKO PERVERT.

23/08/2012 9:28:56 p.m.

Shanla wrote:

To All, I am not a counseller, I am just a friend counselling a friend who needs someone to listen with love and understanding. I will be the voice for them if i have to, no i don't feel I'm being unprofessional speaking to the media, with all do respect this is about healing our Tamariki, not professionalism

23/08/2012 12:51:40 p.m.

Amii wrote:

He didnt think he was gonna get caught and he just about didnt whats up with that New Zealand...

23/08/2012 12:08:07 p.m.

Shanla wrote:

Iam not a Counsellor so its not a issue that i speak i am a friend who will listen to the parent who is sad, shocked and feels betrayed someone needs to help our children heal,not worry about what i say Its about our poor tamariki It's all about them I will always be an ear and voice for those who can't speak.These kids are our future Lets get behind our future.

23/08/2012 11:32:41 a.m.

Traveller wrote:

There are many victims here. I bet the James Parker is also a victim of an adult or young adult betraying a trust. With regards to the admission of a "disorder" I suspect that this is the result of counselling subsequent to the events. The antidote will be for everyone involved to look into their hearts and ask what in them let this happen to a family member. Unless we learn how to 'act', disorders will dictate our actions. That applies to us all.

23/08/2012 8:58:35 a.m.

Duncan wrote:

I agree that even one occurrence is "too often". However, I will say this: I have taught young people on numerous occasions, both during school hours and extra-curricular, and not once did the existence of such crimes against kids (and we're talking in the UK here, where it will happen more) make me think twice about taking on the work. Any honest, decent man who does get driven away from the profession of teaching because of the odd, extreme crime like this probably didn't have their heart set on teaching in the first place.

23/08/2012 12:49:53 a.m.

katrina wrote:

Actually Duncan, there have been a couple lately.

22/08/2012 10:02:49 p.m.

BJH wrote:

It makes me sick to my stomach! I feel sorry for all the whanaus and the community that have been affected by this evil man! Our tamariki and rangatahi are precious and when people like this cross the line then it doesn't just hurt them it hurts all. Kia kaha Kaitaia.

22/08/2012 9:20:20 p.m.

Duncan wrote:

Calm down Katrina. It doesn't happen that often! That's why it's on the news. It's probably similar to a plane crash in statistical terms - not very likely.

22/08/2012 9:19:33 p.m.

Clara McKenzie wrote:

In the dock, James is showing us a little of his manipulative personality. He says he's the " unwilling host of a terrible disorder". By saying that and going on about his "sickness", he's distancing himself from his crime. Don't fall for that Kaitaia. He knew what he was doing.