Ex-social worker's indecent assault appeal dismissed

File photo / NZ Herald

A former social worker found guilty of indecently assaulting boys has had his appeal against conviction and sentence dismissed.

Ivan Chambers of Foxton was found guilty on eight charges by a jury in Wellington District Court last year and sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment.

The six boys involved were aged under 16 when the offences occurred between 1979 and 1983 at Epuni Boys' Home where Chambers was a residential social worker.

Complaints from the boys involved included details of him fondling their genitals. In one instance, a boy said he was patted down by Chambers who then put his hands inside his shorts.

Chambers was convicted in April last year and sentenced in May but he did not file his appeal until September.

He has continued to maintain his innocence, and gave his age, of 68 at the time, and "serious health issues" as reasons for seeking bail, as well as the lengthy wait for an Appeal Court hearing.

But his bail application was dismissed. There was no suggestion Chambers' health had deteriorated since sentencing or any evidence that his health needs were not being met in prison, said last year's ruling.

This month, the Court of Appeal granted Chambers an extension of time to appeal but it dismissed his appeal against his conviction and sentence.

Through his lawyer, Chambers alleged he had been subjected to prejudice at his trial and that his sentencing was excessive.

In his ruling, Justice Wild said Chambers had not suffered prejudice during his trial and that the sentence handed down was "entirely appropriate".

"What [Chambers' lawyer's] submission overlooks is that the judge was sentencing Mr Chambers for eight indecent assaults on six different boys.

"Indeed, we view it as a lenient and merciful sentence. In no way was it inappropriate or manifestly excessive," said Justice Wild.