Former scout leader remanded on bail

HIDING: Godfrey Ball attempts to hide his face from media as friends collect him outside the Masterton District Court yesterday.

A former scout leader and school bus driver facing historic sexual abuse charges against three young boys was released from custody yesterday.

Masterton Police arrested Godfrey Ball, aka Geoffrey Ball, on Wednesday last week, alleging the 78-year-old used his position as a scout leader and driver to commit offences between 1964 and 1985 against three boys aged between seven and 16, while living in Wellington.

He was remanded on bail with special conditions, by Judge Peter Butler in Masterton District Court yesterday.

Ball faces five indecent act charges, two counts of indecent assault and one charge of sodomy against a boy aged 12-16.

He also faces charges of an indecent act and indecently assaulting another boy aged 12-16 and one indecent assault against a 7-year-old boy.

Detective Damian Doocey of the Masterton Child Protection Team appealed to the public for more information.

"We would encourage anybody with concerns to make contact with police."

Ball will reappear in court on July 9.

Anyone who has concerns can contact the Masterton Police Child Protection Team on 06 370 0309 or visit their local police station.