Gloriavale leaders accused of misleading court: Newshub

Caley Callahan | Newshub |

Gloriavale leaders have been accused of misleading the Employment Court over their use of lawyers.

Late last year, the community’s leaders informed the hearing they would represent themselves. But when closing submissions began on Tuesday morning, they once again had legal counsel.

Gloriavale leader Samuel Valor legally represented the Christian commune on Tuesday, as he’s done since the hearing resumed this year. Except on Tuesday, he wasn’t alone.

He was joined by lawyer Carter Pearce, despite dumping their legal team late last year.

Brian Henry lead the team representing six former residents who claim they were employees while living in the reclusive community.

He agreed to change the order of closing submissions and go first until Gloriavale turned up with a lawyer on Tuesday.

“The second defendants told the court they were impecunious, they could no longer retain lawyers. They told the world that,” said Henry.

Further reading: Gloriavale leaders accused of misleading court