Gloriavale leadership ‘allowed to touch anyone they want’, court hears

By Ryan Boswell | 1News |

A former Gloriavale resident “beat one young fella up” for harassing his daughter, hoping it would send a message that she was off limits.

Isaac Pilgrim is giving evidence at the Employment Court in Christchurch, which is deciding whether commune members are employees or volunteers.

Pilgrim said his daughter would often work late at night preparing food, and he was worried about her safety.

“I would come and check up on Serena because there would be guys around.

“I was worried about young fellas harassing Serena. I did beat one young fella up for being too in her face. I’m not sure I should have but I was openly aggressive about any young fella getting near her, so it would send a message to them, so they knew she was off limits,” said Pilgrim.

The court heard that the leadership are allowed to touch anyone they want, particularly young girls.

Further reading and video link: Gloriavale leadership ‘allowed to touch anyone they want’, court hears