Kapiti councillor on trial for indecency

WELLINGTON: A Kapiti Coast district councillor accused of indecently rubbing himself against a council staffer is on trial in the Wellington District Court.

David Scott (71) is facing one charge of indecent assault.

Crown prosecutor Kate Feltham told the court the alleged assault occurred during a morning tea at the Kapiti Coast District Council in April last year.

She said while the complainant was talking to the mayor, Mr Scott came up and put his hand on her right hip.

‘‘She moved to her left thinking someone was wanting to get past but instead he put his other hand on her left hip, holding her with such force she couldn’t move forward.’’

‘‘[Mr Scott] then rubbed his penis into her back, moving from one side to the other.’’

Ms Feltham said the woman looked over her shoulder and saw Mr Scott and he went away without saying anything.

Ms Feltham said the mayor noticed something was wrong and asked if the complainant was OK.

She composed herself, said she would be fine, and left.

During the day, she told people what had happened and days later made a complaint to police.

Ms Feltham said Mr Scott sincerely apologised to the woman for any actions that might have upset her.

Ms Feltham said the defendant was later formally interviewed by police.

He told them he did not recall seeing the woman in the morning tea room that day.

Ms Feltham said Mr Scott denied the indecent assault and said it was physically impossible for him to have done so and the woman must have been mistaken about what occurred.

The trial is taking place before a jury of six women and six men and is expected to last three days. — RNZ