Instructor revealed as sex offender
The identity of a martial arts instructor who molested a pupil can finally be revealed, more than two years after his first court appearance.
Andrew Alexander Salton, 59, exposed his genitals and simulated rape scenarios with a teenage girl during several private trainings in 2016 and 2017.
Salton’s identity has been shrouded in secrecy since his first court appearance in 2018 after his legal team appealed rulings from two judges denying bids to keep his name secret.
However, his latest suppression bid in the Court of Appeal was withdrawn on Monday, meaning Salton can be named.
The teenager, whose name is automatically suppressed, is relieved to be able to talk about the case publicly. She had remained silent for two years as the case went through the courts, while the instructor’s family publicly protested his innocence.
His name was now out there as a warning to other families and to encourage other potential victims to speak out, she said.
Salton began taekwondo training when he moved to New Zealand as a teenager in 1973.
He worked in the textile industry for more than 30 years and has been employed as a support worker for people with disabilities.
He became the instructor at a Horowhenua club in the 1980s and built its membership to become one of the top clubs in New Zealand.
Salton later started his own
‘‘It’s been a long ride for me and my family.’’ Victim
club, Salton Taekwondo Academy, which he ran from the garage of his Levin home.
He has coached New Zealand at two world championships, and set national records for the fastest knockout and power testing. He has been inducted into the New Zealand Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
In a fall from grace, Salton was charged with three counts of indecently assaulting a pupil in 2018.
He confided in the girl, disclosing marital problems and other struggles. He praised her more than others pupils, and hugged and kissed her.
Her family thought it was devoted affection, but it escalated into a world of torment.
Salton exposed himself by wearing shorts without underpants and massaged the girl’s legs with oil.
He would lie on top of her, thrusting and grunting.
On some occasions he grabbed her genitals and instructed her to escape: ‘‘This is a rape scenario and you have to get out of it.’’
He still denies the offending, but has been placed on the sex offenders’ register, stripped of his belt and will never coach again.
Meanwhile, the teenager said she was pleased to move on.
‘‘It’s been a long ride for me and my family. I haven’t been focused on work or school lately, because I was worried about the case, but I am happy – it was just mixed emotions.’’
She encouraged other victims of sexual assault to seek help, which she struggled with.
‘‘Be aware, be careful and if you’re not comfortable, tell your parents. I just want people to be safe – especially girls.’’