Dilworth School sex abuse investigation: Guilty plea entered as new charges laid

Police on December 22 said more than 80 complainants had come forward after complaints of sexual abuse over decades at Dilworth School in Epsom, Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

One of the men facing new charges in relation to historical sex abuse at Dilworth School has pleaded guilty.

Former assistant principal Ian Robert Wilson has pleaded guilty to five charges laid today in the Auckland District Court.

He is one of five men facing a total 33 new charges after 80 more victims came forward to police as part of Operation Beverly.

Ian Wilson (right, wearing facemask), has admitted indecent acts while he was a teacher at Dilworth School. Photo / Michael Craig

Wilson pleaded guilty and was convicted of charges including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16.

Read More

• Dilworth School historical abuse: 80 more victims come forward, 33 new charges
• Dilworth School investigation: Another accused can now be named
• Dilworth School investigation: How the students are coping following the sexual abuse allegations

The court heard that victim impact reports would be prepared.

Ian Wilson has pleaded guilty to charges of historical sex abuse at Dilworth School. Photo / John Weekes

Wilson will next appear on March 23 and his bail was continued.

He appeared in the dock wearing a medical facemask.

In November, Wilson pleaded guilty to two charges involving indecent acts while he worked at Dilworth School.

Wilson was a scout leader, senior house master of MacMurray Boarding House and later the senior school assistant principal from 1988 to 1996.

He also taught History and Te Reo Māori.

Ross Browne at Auckland District Court. Photo / John Weekes

Dilworth School's former chaplain Ross Douglas Browne also appeared in the dock.

Reverend Browne was chaplain from 1979 until 2006, when he resigned from the private boarding school.

Pleas of not guilty were entered on 11 charges as he appeared before Judge Josephine Bouchier shortly before 11am.

He faced five charges of indecent assault on a boy under 12, four charges of indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16 and two charges of inducing or permitting a boy under 12 to do an indecent act.

He also wore a facemask to court.

Ross Browne, who was involved with Scouts and Guides for 50 years, has pleaded not guilty. Photo / Auckland Gang Show

He was remanded on bail and will reappear in the High Court at Auckland on January 27.

Rex Clarence McIntosh appeared to face four new charges and pleaded not guilty.

Rex Clarence McIntosh pleaded not guilty to four new charges at Auckland District Court.

He faced one charge of indecent assault on a boy under 12, and three of indecent assault on boys aged 12-16.

Like Browne, McIntosh will reappear in court on January 27.

McIntosh lost name suppression in November but could not be named until December 9, and previously denied charges of indecent assault relating to two complainants.

Rex Clarence McIntosh in the dock at Auckland District Court. Photo / John Weekes

Another man arrested as part of Operation Beverly appeared in court shortly after noon.

His matter will be heard again on January 27 at the High Court in Auckland.

He has interim name suppression and was remanded on bail.

He faces 11 charges, including indecent assault on boys under 12.

He has pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury.

The fifth man to appear in relation to Dilworth abuse allegations on Tuesday also denied all charges and elected trial by jury.

One of the former Dilworth teacher's charges would be dealt with in the High Court and the others will stay in the District Court.

He also had name suppression and his new charges included indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16.

He also faced five charges of indecent assault on a boy under 12 years old.

The 72-year-old's name suppression was overturned at the High Court but then reinstated by the Court of Appeal.

His High Court matter will next be heard on January 27.

A case review on March 9 will be held for the other charges.

Editor's note
It has been a shock for New Zealanders to learn that several former staff at Auckland's Dilworth School have been charged with sex and drug offences against boys over more than three decades. We want you, our readers, to know that the Herald will follow this story wherever it leads. We have a team of journalists prepared to investigate and we want to hear from you. If you have any information please contact us at yourstory@nzme.co.nz
Murray Kirkness, NZ Herald Editor

Where to get help:
• If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
• If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone call the confidential crisis helpline Safe to Talk on: 0800 044 334 or text 4334. (available 24/7)
• Male Survivors Aotearoa offers a range of confidential support at centres across New Zealand - find your closest one here.
• Mosaic - Tiaki Tangata: 0800 94 22 94 (available 11am - 8pm)
• Alternatively contact your local police station
• If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.