Former social worker denied bail while awaiting appeal

File photo / NZ Herald

A former Epuni Boys' Home social worker found guilty on eight charges of indecently assaulting boys has been denied bail while he waits for his appeal against conviction to be heard.

Ivan Douglas Chambers, 69, of Foxton, was found guilty by a jury in Wellington District Court earlier this year and later sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment.

The boys were aged under 16 when the offences occurred between 1979 and 1983. Chambers, who has continued to maintain his innocence, was a residential social worker at the home.

As well as appealing against his convictions, he has now decided to also appeal against his sentence.

But the Court of Appeal has dismissed the bail application.

In his judgement, Justice Robert Chambers said the appellant would become eligible for parole in March next year and his appeal was unlikely to be heard before late February.

Chambers had been convicted in April this year and sentenced in May but did not file his appeal until September 27.

His age and "serious health issues" were given as reasons for seeking bail, as well as the lengthy wait for an Appeal Court hearing.

There was no suggestion that the appellant's health had deteriorated since sentencing or any evidence that his health needs were not being met in prison, Justice Chambers said in his ruling.

"I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that it would be in the interests of justice to grant him bail pending appeal."