Tasmanian Detectives Seek ‘dead’ Teacher

The Australian
December 19, 2014

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TWO Tasmanian detectives have arrived in New Zealand to interview an alleged pedophile teacher, who authorities had long believed was dead.

The officers are seeking to question Ronald Thomas over ­allegations — made in evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse — that he abused two boys at Hobart’s elite Hutchins School. The allegations — relating to the 1960s when, the school now admits, a number of staff were pedophiles — have been publicly denied by the 77-year-old former English and music teacher.

Mr Thomas was named by the royal commission because it — and his alleged victims — believed him to be dead. Earlier this month, The Australian found Mr Thomas alive and enjoying his retirement in dairy country on New Zealand’s north island, after more than 40 years teaching across the Tasman.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams yesterday announced a formal investigation into the allegations against Mr Thomas had been launched. “Police have spoken to the two former students who gave evidence to the royal commission (and) the men have indicated they would like the matters looked into by police,” Ms Adams said. “As a result, Tasmania Police have sent two detectives to interview Mr Thomas in New Zealand. Once the police investigation is concluded, a report will be provided to the DPP for review.”