Dilworth School alleged sex abuse: Further charges laid against 72yo man

Dilworth School alleged sex abuse: Further charges laid against 72yo man
Photo credit: Google Maps, RNZ

Further charges have been laid against a 72-year-old man in relation to alleged historical sexual offending at Auckland's Dilworth School.

Police confirmed the man, who is already before the court, will face additional charges of sexual violation, two charges of indecent assault, and three charges of possession of child exploitation material.

He is expected to appear in Auckland District Court on Wednesday morning.

Det Snr Srgt Geoff Baber of Auckland City CIB said police are urging anyone with further information to contact them.

"Investigators working on Operation Beverly over the past two years have spoken with a number of former students who have been identified as being victims of sexual abuse while at the school.    

"While we have spoken to more than 150 former students, I still encourage anyone with information that hasn't spoken with the investigation team yet to get in touch. They can contact Operation Beverly staff on (09) 302 6624 or by emailing Operation.Beverly@police.govt.nz."

At least 11 people have been charged so far in relation to the alleged offending at the school.

Three of the defendants have died during the ongoing investigation, which has uncovered dozens of alleged victims. The offending is alleged to have taken place over three decades from the 1970s. 

"I cannot comprehend the trauma and pain those who have suffered abuse must have endured," Dilworth headmaster Dan Reddiex said during a press conference in September 2020.

"The abuse has cast a dark shadow over our school."