Jury Dismissed in Auckland Church Leader's Sexual Abuse Trial

By Amanda Saxton
Stuff
June 5, 2019

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/113247518/jury-dismissed-in-auckland-church-leaders-sexual-abuse-trial

Isileli Halalupe's trial at Auckland District Court was put on hold, after the jury was dismissed on day two.

A jury in the trial of a church leader accused of sexual abuse has been dismissed.

Isileli Halalupe had pleaded not guilty to five charges of indecent assault against an underage girl, and was on trial at Auckland District Court.

He was accused of groping the complainant's breasts, thighs and bottom between 2015 and 2017 – and of kissing her ears against her will. She was 13 years old when the alleged offending was said to have started.

On the second day of the trial on Wednesday, Judge Poole discharged the jury.