Shop Assistant Pleads Guilty To Six Indecent Assaults: Shocking Conduct In Bach At Ohope

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 23, 20 February 1948, Page 5

Shop Assistant Pleads Guilty To Six Indecent Assaults: Shocking Conduct In Bach At Ohope

Five of the offences admitted by ‘the accused took place in his bach where he lived near his employer’s shop at Ohope, and the other at Ohiwa where he had taken a Maori boy out for a walk “to take photographs.” The other two lads had , been invited to take Grieve’s dog for walks and were included in a group of boys who shared outings with him to Awakeri Hot Springs. The Maori boy was aged'l4 and the others 12 and 9 respectively. Police Sergeant A. B. Collinge prosecuted and Mr G. Otley was counsel for the accused. Grieve list- ■ ened to the sordid recitals of the children with little sign of emotion, except on one or two occasions when he bowed his head, covering his face with his hands. Asked at the conclusion of the evidence if he had anything to say, Grieve declined the opportunity and, when asked to plead, said in firm, cultured tones, “I have heard the evidence against me, and I choose to plead guilty.” '“Messing About” First of the lads concerned, a Maori boy aged 14, of Ohiwa, who had worked at an Ohope store for two weeks during the May holidays in 1947, said he had slept in the same bach as Grieve who also worked at the store. All that time nothing out of the ordinary occurred. However, when he visited Grieve’s bach on the afternoon of June 1 of last year, Grieve asked an indecent question then “started messing about.” After this initial assault, the boy said he had been interfered with on a number of occasions, the last being on December 28 last. He alleged Grieve had also exposed himself a couple of times. Preferred Boys’ Company The previous witness’s step-father said Grieve had visited his home on a number of occasions and had appeared to prefer the company of boys to that of adults, but had given no cause for suspicion that he would interfere with them. His step-son had never complained of Grieve. Took Dog Out Next witness, an Ohope schoolboy, aged 9, said he used to take Grieve’s dog out. for walks'ip the evenings, but always went home before dark. He also played tennis with Grieve and went to the Hot Springs in his car on a number of occasions. Warned To Silence Nothing indecent occurred until a night late in January when he visited bach where Grieve lived. On that occasion the boy alleged, Grieve perpetrated a disgusting act. Grieve told him to keep it a secret. On the second occasion misconduct was alleged, the boy said he was compelled to interfere with Grieve. \

Revolting evidence was given by three young boys before Messrs C. S. Armstrong and L. H. Brown J’s.P. in the Court at Whakatane on Wednesday when Lloys Glendinning Grieve,' single, shop assistant, aged 41, pleaded guilty to six charges of indecently assaulting males. The offences occurred over a period of months, the last fyeing on February 2. Grieve was committed to the Supreme Court at Auckland for sentence.

Writing On A Wall The father of the previous witness said the boy went to Grieve’s place quite a lot. He became suspicious and ordered the child to stop going there. Grieve used to visit the home and had baths there. Grieve said once that he had been accused of writing dirty words on the wall of •a women’s convenience, but disclaimed responsibility. He made no reference to a rumour that he had been accused of interfering with boys. Suspicions Aroused His suspicions aroused 'by a letter that was shown to him, the father took the boy to a doctor, whose opinion was that he had not been interfered with. “Don’t Tell Anyone” Another schoolboy, aged 12, also resident of Ohope, gave ' evidence that he had known accused since Easter 1947, when he found Grieve’s lost dog for him. After that he went with Grieve to the Hot Springs on a number of occasions, and also visited the bach frequently. Saturday evening after Anniversary Day the boy said he had helped Grieve to wash up the tea dishes at the bach, after which he alleged Grieve had exposed himself and forced the witness to interfere with him. Grieve said, “Don’t tell anyone, or they will put us both in gaol.” The witness told no-one. The following Monday night witness went to Grieve’s bach again and he alleged that on that occasion Grieve committed another assault. Police Had Been The previous witness’s father said he knew the boy went to Grieve’s place but thought nothing of it'until something he heard made him stop the boy’s going there. Shortly after that Grieve called and said he was suspected of some filthy writing on. a wall, that the police had been over about it, and that there were rumours about boys visiting his bach. Seemed Upset

The witness told Grieve he wasn’t interested in writing on the wall, but was concerned about the boy, who then made an admission which Grieve denied. He said the stories would ruin him on the beach. He appeared confused and upset.

Police Evidence Sergeant Collinge gave evidence that, following a complaint he received, he ordered inquiries to be started on February 4. That evening Grieve called and said he had heard rumours he was suspected of interfering with boys and that there was to be a charge against him. The Sergeant told him there was no charge at that stage, but that a full inquiry was being made. Later, acting as the result of inquiries made by Constable R. F. Julian, the Sergeant got a warrant and arrested Grieve.