Principal on 41 child abuse charges

A Wellington school principal is facing 41 charges of child sex abuse and police have set up a hotline so other possible victims can contact them.

Richard Fallowfield Joel, principal of Rewa Rewa School in Newlands, was arrested on October 6 and charged with 20 child abuse offences.

Joel, 61, has now been charged with 21 more offences, Wellington police district crime manager Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich said today.

"Investigators have been following up information provided as a result of media coverage of Richard Joel's previous arrest and have now charged him with 21 further child abuse charges," Mr Arnerich said.

The new charges relate to five boys aged between nine to 12 years old at the times of the alleged incidents. Mr Arnerich said that given the significant number and nature of the charges, the investigation team thought that there were likely to be other members of the public who could provide information to help the investigation.

"Police are continuing to thoroughly investigate the activities of Richard Joel," Mr Arnerich said.

"He was a teacher at various schools over the last 38 years and we would like to hear any information about his activities. A number of people came forward as a result of the previous media coverage and investigation staff have been conducting inquiries with witnesses in a number of countries."

It was alleged that the incidents happened during various activities including school camps, film evenings and also outside school hours at Joel's house, in a plane and in a car.

Joel was believed to have been working at the following schools: 1971 - 1978 Corrina School, Porirua; 1980 - 1984 Waitangirua Intermediate School, Porirua; 1981 - 1991 Newlands Intermediate, Wellington and 1991 - 2009 Rewa Rewa School.

Anyone with information can contact investigators on 0800 337889.

- NZPA