Ex-principal admits abusing pupils

A former Wellington school principal has admitted sexually abusing boys at Porirua's Corinna primary school in the 1970s.

Richard Joel, 62, pleaded guilty last week in Wellington District Court last week to 16 charges of indecent assault and inducing seven boys to do indecent acts, the Dominion Post reported.

The offending took place over a period of six years, while he was a teacher at the school, Judge Bruce Davidson told the court.

The victims, aged between seven and 11, were all pupils at the school.

Joel's plea followed a sentencing indication of four years, nine months imprisonment by Judge Davidson last month.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing on June 11.

- NZPA