Grant Williams

I think you need to judge Petone, and the other clubs involved in the light of society at the time.

I have had it put to me that Mr Williams was removed from his rep coaching role and involvement at Lower Hutt, because Ivan England was prepared to do so, without any evidence of any criminal wrongdoing, but on the basis of rumours.  Lots of people told Ivan he couldn't do that without evidence, and Ivan is reputed to have said "let him sue me!"

I understand he then went off to Stop Out where there were, again, a lot of rumours, but no legal intervention, and after a while the rumours became overpoiweringly sufficient for Stop Out to break ties.  He then ended up at Petone.

It strikes me that this was just a sign of the times, where people didn't want to think the worst, and lose the innocence from the game.  It was the attitude of both secular and religious organisations to sweep this sort of thing under the carpet, and it is only in recent years that society has rebelled against this "look the other way" attitude. 

Many people rightly criticise the Catholic Church  for putting their heads in the sand and moving offenders on, but I am very aware that it was also happening in State Schools in the 60's and 70s.  Should we be surprised that volunteer organisations did the same.

.petone12009-10-13 10:28:46

Part of me takes the opposite view.

If Lower Hutt and Stop Out had voiced their fears to the authorities at the time, instead of just having a NIMBY attitude, perhaps the rumours could have been investigated, and brought to legal action at the time, instead of a historical case, next month.

But it didn't happen, so we just move on...

I don't know full details, so I am possibly up a tree without a paddle or canoe here, but if GW never had a conviction, a police check would not have removed him from the Petone scene.

I do understand where you are coming from and I think it is good people are talking and thinking about this , so hopefully it never happens again ( in a perfect world )

Petone1 you are treading on thin ice.

.petone12009-10-13 10:29:48

And that's enough of that.  What a shame some people don't have the self control to have a sensible discussion about a difficult topic. Smithy2009-06-26 15:40:02

i will open this as this forum could serve to help some people.

Thank you very much . Good call Feverish

As a manager of a team for many years I was left in the awkward position one night after training when the father of one of the players (female) forgot to collect her from training. Waited half an hour and then had to bundle her in the car and take her home - luckily my daughter was still at training. Parents of young kids (11 years old) also have to take some responsibility to look after their kids and protect coaches/managers, who, after all, are volunteers and are doing it because no one else put their collective hands up. That's my raive for the day

Very good point

The other thing coaches need to remember is that they have to protect themselves.

You dont really hear any false accusations against coaches and managers. But you are correct you should make sure you cant get accused of something.

having been involved with female only teams for a number of years you have to be super careful-never be alone with just 1 of them, especially when they are young and can get the wrong impression. Always have a chaperone!!

One thought, having gone through this whole saga, is perhaps for Clubs to approach the  Police and request a member of the local Child abuse team to attend a Coaches meeting and give a short talk of problems in his area,things to be aware of, what Clubs can, and can't do, and most importantly who to talk to if there are concerns.   They are the experts in the field, and I am sure would oblige.

Williams attended court again today and further charges were laid. The complainants now are from 4 decades, 60's,70,s 80's and 90's. The total number of charges are 18 and he has been remanded for a full depositions hearing on August 20th at Lower Hutt. The Complainants come from more than one Hutt Valley Club. 

.

petone12009-10-13 10:30:22

petone12009-10-13 10:31:43

Another person has laid charges against Williams

As sick as it seems paedophiles think they have done nothing wrong, and this, along with animal cunning, predatorial instincts and an ability to infiltrate families and groups seemingly at will makes there kind so very very dangerous. When the pressure goes on they switch to survival mode using tactics and behaviour, anything at there disposal just to gain sympathy or time.

Christchurch recidivist paedophile Alf Vincent, 71, was sentenced to preventive detention in 1968 after being convicted on seven charges of performing indecencies on five boys aged 12-14, including two brothers, over about a year. Has just been denied parole , Grant if you are reading this , you are going away for a whlie. You should just man up and accept your punishment for playing with little boys.

Interesting article here: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,25801384-2682,00.html

Smithy2009-07-19 16:53:44

Very interesting article, I have heard on the grapevine that there are similar things being talked about locally and one person has put his hand up to help with the process, that in my mind is the right guy for the job, and I wish him and the team well, My thoughts.....if they want to have any input fom someone who has experienced this first hand well they know who I am, and perhaps I may be able to talk a couple of victims to have some input into the discussion as well, they more than anyone must be given the chance to have there say in any future  policy, listening to them is the bottom line for any future policy.

..

petone12009-10-13 10:32:27

I think everyone has to agree that New Zealand is well behind the rest of the world in the child protection stakes.

just saw his name pop up in a NZ footy book I picked up at the library. Reckoned Barry Truman who was with Petone back in the day was the best thing to happen to NZ footy in 25 yrs

.

petone12009-10-13 10:32:41

CLUB-"you are a great coach, BUT you got done for D I C, shoplifting and smoking pot when you were young. sorry you can't be involved"

Wow.  I always thought I was a cup half empty kind of guy, but pizda you take the cake.

 

c'mon smithy, don't take things out of context now will you. if you recall i suggested another parent present always WITH the coach would have prevented this situation, regardless of his criminal record, for which he had NONE. it don't need to be the whole bloody squads parents there as well!!!! why don't you have kids someday smithy so you can have some informed opinions relating to them, seeing as u getting nasty now!!

you are getting.

No text speak please.  One of the few rules we have here.

 wot these then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hypocrite u are

oh sorry YOU are. don't tell me capitals are unethical again either.

exactly my point, my quote wasn't in a book , mentioned no pedo names , however you chose to edit it. why are you covering it up when the referance i made was to highlight the era concerned like GW did. 

incorrect, just to affirm, was using as referance to" era" only of individual, not that he was involved, which he wasn't. thanks.