Dilworth School: Housemaster accused of sexual abuse dies

Rex Clarence McIntosh in the dock at the Auckland District Court. Photo / John Weekes

A second of the nine men charged in connection with historical sexual abuse at Dilworth School has died while awaiting trial.

Rex Clarence McIntosh was facing seven charges of indecent assault in relation to five boys between 1972 and 1980.

One of the boys was under 12 at the time of the alleged offending. The rest were aged between 14 and 16.

He denied all charges.

It is understood the 79-year-old died in hospital on Monday night after battling pneumonia and kidney disease.

He had initially fought to have his name suppressed on health grounds but interim suppression was lifted in December.

McIntosh was a teacher and tutor at Dilworth School during the 1970s. He is believed to have left in the late 1970s and moved north where he taught at Ruawai College where allegations of sexual abuse surfaced after it became public knowledge he was gay.

Rex McIntosh, who taught at Dilworth School in the 1970s, was also a part-time actor.

He told Gay Express during an interview in 2014 that the allegations arose when he said "good morning, how are you today?" after ruffling the hair of a "cheerful lad".

He said he was exonerated but couldn't work there anymore and moved back to Auckland where he had teaching roles at various schools including Pakuranga College, Ormiston Senior College and Botany Downs. His teacher's registration expired in 2014.

McIntosh was also a part-time actor who had been Mercy Peak and Shortland Street.

His death follows that of Richard Charles Galloway, another one of the nine men who have been charged as part of Operation Beverley, the investigation into historical sexual abuse at Dilworth School.

Galloway died on November 26 aged 69 after earlier being diagnosed with cancer.

Ian Wilson was sentenced to three years and seven months jail at his sentencing in March. Photo / Michael Craig

In March former Dilworth house and scout master Ian Wilson was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for indecently assaulting five students between 1975 and 1992.

The 69-year-old said through his lawyer during sentencing that he was remorseful for his actions, but was introduced to "degenerate" behaviour at the school.

"He was approached by a staff member who introduced him to a mode of behaviour at the school that was degenerate, and he fell under the spell, but that is in no way an excuse and he accepts and acknowledges that."

Where to get help:

• If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
• If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone call the confidential crisis helpline Safe to Talk on: 0800 044 334 or text 4334. (available 24/7)
• Male Survivors Aotearoa offers a range of confidential support at centres across New Zealand - find your closest one here.
• Mosaic - Tiaki Tangata: 0800 94 22 94 (available 11am - 8pm)
• Alternatively contact your local police station
• If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.