Rugby coach on trial for sex abuse of boys

An Auckland school rugby coach facing more than 80 charges of sexual offending against young boys is on trial in the High Court at Auckland.

Alosio Taimo, a long-time school volunteer and rugby coach, is facing 83 charges of indecent assault or sexual violation against 18 complainants, some dating back to the 1980s.

Taimo was first charged in 2017 with 50 offences but as his name was made public, more complainants came forward.

He is accused of touching the young boys, sexually violating them or inducing them to touch or perform sexual acts on him.

The offences allegedly took place at Taimo’s home, in his car, in school sports sheds, in a classroom and in a park. He also is charged with indecently touching a young boy at a birthday party.

In total, Taimo faces 24 charges of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, 18 of performing an indecent act on a child under 12, 23 of performing indecent acts on a young person under 16, eight of indecency with a boy under 12, and 10 charges of indecency with a boy between 12 and 16.

Yesterday, Taimo pleaded not guilty to all 83 charges.

Crown prosecutor Jasper Rhodes is set to call 53 witnesses to give evidence in the trial, including police officers and professionals.

Justice Simon Moore addressed the jury yesterday morning, stating that most of the complainants were of Samoan heritage.

During the trial, the jury must consider all 83 charges separately, Justice Moore said.

The trial is set down weeks in front of a jury women and six men.

Rhodes will open the Crown case to the jury today. for 10 of six