Sex accused died 'scared of jail'

Godfrey Ball, 78, was facing historic sex abuse charges.

A former scoutmaster facing historical sex charges against boys was "scared to go to jail", a neighbour says.

Godfrey Ball, 78, was facing historic sex abuse charges.

Godfrey (aka Geoffrey) Ball, 78, of Masterton, a retired school bus driver who was facing 12 representative sex charges against boys aged 7 to 16, was found dead in his Waterhouse St home on Thursday by neighbours whom the Times-Age understands were supporting him. The alleged offending took place in Wellington between 1964 and 1985 and related to sexual assault and sodomy.

One of his neighbours, who didn't wish to be named, said she was well aware of the charges he was facing. Ball appeared to be a bit of a loner who never ventured out much, especially since the charges came to light, she said.

His property named Zambezi (great river) remains empty but closed up with gardens neatly manicured.

"He couldn't seem to remember things. He said he had to write them down in a book."

On the day of his death, she said she understood he'd asked the neighbours who were supporting him to wake him later in the day and on going to do so they found him dead.

"I don't think he wanted to go to jail. He was scared ... I just came home and saw the police cars everywhere and then a hearse turned up."

Another neighbour who also didn't want to be identified said it was a sad end to a life.

"He was just an old man facing his own demons," she said.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death which they are investigating on behalf of the coroner.

Ball, who was facing charges of sodomy, indecent assault and performing indecent acts, last appeared in court in July when he was granted an extension of time until September 17 to plead to the charges.

Wairarapa Rape Crisis counsellor Michelle Ihaka said she was unable to comment on how the death would affect the victims as everyone dealt with things differently.

However, they had come forward seeking justice, which they had now possibly been denied, Ms Ihaka said.

"They did come forward wanting justice. They could be dissatisfied with that outcome.

"They could be dissatisfied at sentencing. It's a no-win situation. They still have to live with what has happened to them," she said.

Detective Sergeant Bill van Woerkom of Masterton police district child-protection team said known victims of the alleged sexual abuse had been advised of the death.