Bailed cult leader ordered away from HQ

News.com, Australia/December 4, 2006

A cult leader accused of sexually abusing young girls has been refused permission to celebrate an anniversary at the group's Sydney headquarters – the scene of the alleged crimes.

Ken Dyers co-founded the spiritual healing group Kenja, based in inner-city Surry Hills. When the 84-year-old faced the Downing Centre District Court today, he applied to have his bail conditions varied to allow him to attend meetings at the group's headquarters.

Mr Dyers is set to stand trial on 22 charges, accused of assaulting two 12-year-old girls, then members of the group, at Kenja's Surry Hills offices in 2001 and 2002.

His barrister, Paul Byrne SC, said the organisation had a number of important meetings coming up, including the 25th anniversary of the group's foundation.

He asked Justice Reg Blanch to vary Mr Dyers' bail conditions, to allow him to attend the social gatherings.

"It is a large organisation which has meetings at its headquarters regularly," Mr Byrne said.

"At the moment his bail conditions prohibit him from attending those headquarters."

Justice Blanch refused the application, but released Mr Dyers on continuing bail.

Mr Dyers is expected to seek a stay on the charges on the grounds of his health.

A trial has been set down for next May.