Indecent assault victim hits out at council staff
The woman indecently assaulted by Ka¯ piti Coast District councillor David Scott says she has been subjected to ‘‘victim-shaming’’ since coming forward about the incident.
Scott, 71, was convicted and fined $1500 yesterday. It was alleged he thrust his genitals against a staff member at a morning tea last year.
He pleaded not guilty but a Wellington District Court jury found him guilty last month.
The victim, whose name has been suppressed, told Stuff she had faced ridicule from Scott’s supporters at the council since the incident, with some leaving female mannequins outside the council’s offices. These were covered in signs that read: ‘‘Council PC over the top’’ and ‘‘Do you like my outfit?’’
‘‘This has been one of the most difficult years of my life,’’ the victim said. ‘‘I have been under immense pressure. David Scott’s behaviour, and that of his supporters, has been revictimisation at its worst.
‘‘Knowing the people involved, I guess it shouldn’t have surprised me. What surprised me was he [Scott] hasn’t condemned their actions.’’
One of Scott’s supporters had been issued with a harassment notice by police in relation to the incidents, the victim said.
It also annoyed her that Scott continued to maintain his innocence and claim it was his word against hers, when in fact several witnesses had provided evidence against him during the trial.
‘‘It’s a real shame when people can’t accept the outcome of the judicial process we have in this country, which is designed to keep all of us safe, and when they compromise the confidence of other victims to come forward.’’
She was indifferent about Scott’s sentence, which she said was ‘‘reasonable given his age and health complications’’.
‘‘A conviction is enough for me. I’m not out for blood.’’
Despite the hostility from residents, the victim said she had also received strong support from council management and intended to keep working there. ‘‘I’ll wait and see how it pans out over the next month or two..
A judge in Wellington District Court declined to discharge Scott without conviction yesterday, which means the 12-year councillor will lose his seat.
Outside court, Scott said he would appeal the sentence in a bid to clear his name, claiming his victim had lied during the trial.
When asked how he was feeling following the decision, Scott spoke of his ill-health.
‘‘I was in hospital until 7.30pm last [Monday] night. I got a pacemaker inserted two weeks ago.’’
After the sentencing, Ka¯piti Coast District Council chief executive Wayne Maxwell said what happened next depended on the outcome of Scott’s appeal.
‘‘Until the end of that court appeal is heard, he will be on a leave of absence. During that time, he cannot act as a councillor.’’
If Scott’s appeal was unsuccessful, he would be disqualified from public office.