The leader of an isolated and conservative New Zealand commune has pleaded guilty to half of the 24 indecent assault charges he faced against nine female complainants.
Howard Temple, 85, is accused of abusing members of the Gloriavale commune between the ages of nine and 20 over two decades, according to the Associated Press (AP). The former Overseeing Shepherd of Gloriavale admitted to an amended list of 12 crimes, including multiple counts of indecent assault, committing an indecent act, and common assault. He previously denied the charges.
The charges against Temple span from 1998 and 2022. The complainants said he touched or groped them while performing domestic duties at the Gloriavale commune.
"While the girls would stand close to the defendant and serve him his drink or food, the defendant would take the opportunity to touch a complainant's body, such as her leg or legs, her bottom, her inner thigh, or rub her side and lower back," Crown Prosecutor Kerry White told 1 News.
White said that as the girls got older, Temple would come up behind them while they were working in the kitchen, kiss their necks, and touch their bottoms and waists.
Gloriavale is a community of about 600 people who live in an isolated settlement on the South Island’s remote West Coast. The community was founded in the 1970s, estranged from the outside world, and members only speak to those who work and study within the commune.
It is known for its conservative beliefs and doctrines. Women and girls, for example, wear navy-colored ankle-dresses with white headdresses. Those in the community are required to have large families. Only men can serve in leadership roles while their wives and children are subservient.
Temple is expected to be sentenced in August In New Zealand, indecent assault could carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison.
“While it would not be appropriate for me to comment further ahead of sentencing, I’d like to acknowledge the victims,” Inspector Jaqueline Corner told the AP. “This is a direct result of their willingness and courage to speak up.”