Public feedback on child sex cases

A Masterton man accused of historic sexual abuse against three young boys has been given extra time to enter a plea.

Godfrey Ball, also known as Geoffrey Ball, a 78-year-old retired school bus driver and scout leader, faces 11 charges against boys aged 7 to 16 relating to sexual assault and sodomy.

The alleged offending took place in Wellington between 1964 and 1985.

He appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday, where Judge Barbara Morris granted him an extension of 10 weeks to enter a plea.

He stood in the dock and bowed his head as media took photos.

Ball appeared hard of hearing, asking the judge to repeat a statement at one point.

Defence lawyer Louise Elder said Ball had not had the opportunity to go through all the material received from the police in disclosure.

Ball faces five indecent act charges, two counts of indecent assault and one charge of sodomy against a boy aged 12-16.

He also faces charges of an indecent act and indecently assaulting another boy aged 12-16 and one indecent assault against a 7-year-old boy.

Detective Sergeant Bill van Woerkom of the Masterton police child protection team said people had come forward with more information since Ball was charged. "We've had a very positive response from the public."

Ball was remanded on bail to enter a plea on September 17.