Mayor Condemns Assault of 10-Year-Old Boy at Local Park

The mayor of Lower Hutt, Ken Laban, has publicly condemned the violent sexual assault of a 10-year-old boy at Avalon Park, stating that such acts “have no place in our community.” This tragic incident occurred on December 28, 2022, at a popular playground in the Hutt Valley. Court documents reveal that the alleged offender followed the boy into the park’s public toilets, where he threatened him with a cold object to the neck before robbing, sexually assaulting, and raping the child.

The accused, who was under the care of Oranga Tamariki at the time of the attack, was not subject to a detention order, which limited the agency’s ability to physically detain him. This situation has prompted Children’s Commissioner Dr. Claire Achmad to raise concerns with Oranga Tamariki regarding their protocols in handling such high-risk individuals.

Ken Laban expressed his deep sympathy for the victim and his family, stating that the community must unite to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly children. He emphasized that the council is committed to enhancing community safety and will continuously assess high-risk environments to implement necessary measures.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Following the incident, police utilized CCTV footage as part of their investigation, which has led to an increase in surveillance coverage at Avalon Park, particularly with the addition of the new Motutawa Skatepark facility.

In March 2023, the defendant was deemed unfit to stand trial under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act, following two mental health evaluations. He has been classified as having a high to very high risk of reoffending. Subsequently, in May, Judge Jan Kelly ordered that the defendant be detained in a secure facility under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 for a period of three years. This legislation allows for the potential extension of his detention if he is still considered a risk at the end of that term.

Support Resources for Victims

In light of this distressing event, various support resources are available for those affected by sexual assault or abuse. If individuals are in immediate danger, they are advised to contact emergency services by dialing 111. For confidential support, the crisis helpline Safe to Talk can be reached at 0800 044 334 or via text at 4334, available 24/7.

Additionally, Male Survivors Aotearoa provides a range of confidential support services at various centers throughout New Zealand. Those needing assistance can also reach out to local police stations for help.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding community safety and the need for vigilant measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The response from local authorities highlights a commitment to addressing these serious issues and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.