James Parker: I betrayed you all
Police say the investigation into sexual offending by a former deputy principal is not over.
James Robertson Parker, 37, told a packed Kaitaia District Court yesterday that he admitted 49 charges of sexually abusing schoolboys, but that he was not a monster.
Parker told the court he suffered a "most terrible disorder" and hoped desperately he would now get help for his sickness.
The revelations about the deputy principal at Pamapuria School, a 180-pupil primary school 10km south of Kaitaia, have hit the tight-knit community hard - Parker was a popular and highly-regarded teacher who was "one of the whanau".
Many in court sobbed as he answered each charge - 25 of indecent assault, 15 of performing an indecent act and nine of unlawful sexual connection - with a plea of guilty.
Judge John McDonald remanded him in custody for sentencing on November 15.
Police said investigations into his sexual offending were ongoing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Burke said: "Any member of the public with information that may assist with the investigation we ask that they call 0800 900 502."
Parker read a statement in court which he said his thoughts were with the 15 young victims.
"Words cannot express the total shame, guilt, regret and sorrow that consumes me day and night because of the things I have done
"Believe it or not, these crimes were committed against people I care about very much. I wish I could fix the damage I have caused. My crimes have also had awful and drastic consequences for my school community, students, staff, parents, board of trustees and principal. You are all indirectly victims of what I have done.
"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.
"Those of you who know me well will know that I am not the monster that many will portray me to be. I am, however, the unwilling host of a most terrible disorder."
Defence lawyer Alex Witten-Hannah argued that name suppression should remain until sentencing. Judge McDonald said there was no evidence that lifting the orders would cause extreme hardship for the accused or undue hardship for his victims.
