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Emergency worker convicted of indecent assault during Cyclone Gabrielle recovery effort

Cyclone Gabrielle news

During her volunteer deployment with an emergency response team in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, a woman faced inappropriate comments and advances from team leader Gerrard Knight, culminating in an indecent assault on the final day.

The incident took place during a brief stop in Wairoa and later in a shared hostel, where Knight exposed himself and attempted to coerce the woman into sexual relations by pressing himself against her, trying to kiss her and asking her to touch him. He undid her belt and tried to unbutton her trousers, but was stopped when another team member radioed him.

Despite her shock and limited access to outside communication, she reported the incident, which lead to police charges against Knight and was eventually found guilty in the District Court.

The High Court later ruled against Knight’s appeal for permanent name suppression and a discharge without conviction, citing his abuse of authority and the victim’s vulnerability.

Knight, once noted for his community contributions, was terminated from both Fire and Emergency NZ and Hato Hone St John.

The judge acknowledged Knight’s positive past record but deemed the incident’s toll on the woman significant, sentencing him to six months of home detention.

An internal review was prompted within the emergency services organisation, aiming to prevent future incidents through strengthened protocols and appointing a national manager for policy development across response teams.

Image credit: Feyza Fildirim

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