Principal faces 41 abuse charges

SUPPLIED

ON SICK LEAVE: Principal Richard Joel was originally arrested and charged In October, 2009, with 20 child abuse charges. He now has a further 21 charges laid against him.

Relevant offers

Crime

Thieves pillage weapons, armour Baby murder-accused sobs, sniffles in court NZ police access Facebook evidence Warning: Man approaching children Jail for stabbing ex-partner with screwdriver Megaupload accused to spend another weekend in jail Wellington man fit for trial on wife's murder Teen jailed for sexual assault Drink-driver who attacked officers jailed Accused 'shut eyes and pulled trigger'

A Wellington school principal facing 20 child abuse charges has had a further 21 charges laid against him.

Richard Fallowfield Joel, 61, was originally arrested and charged on October 6, 2009, with 20 child abuse charges.

"Investigators have been following up information provided as a result of media coverage of Richard Joel's previous arrest and have now charged him with 21 further child abuse charges," Wellington district crime manager Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich said.

The new charges relate to five boys, aged between nine and 12 years old at the times of the alleged incidents.

Joel has been on sick leave from Rewa Rewa School since the initial charges were laid.

Meanwhile, police are also seeking public help with their ongoing investigation.

Mr Arnerich believed that, given the significant number and nature of the charges, there were likely to be other people who could provide information.

"Police are continuing to thoroughly investigate the activities of Richard Joel.  He was a teacher at various schools over the last 38 years and we would like to hear any information about his activities.

"A number of people came forward as a result of the previous media coverage and investigation staff had been conducting inquiries with witnesses in a number of countries."

Police allege that the incidents which led to charges being laid happened during school camps, at film evenings, at Joel's home, in a plane and in a car. 

Joel was believed to have worked at the following schools over these years:

1971 - 1978: Corrina School

1980 - 1984: Waitangirua Intermediate School  

1981 - 1991: Newlands Intermediate

1991 - 2009: Rewa Rewa School

- A hotline as been set up to help the public contact the investigation team. Anyone with information can contact investigators on 0800 337889.

- © Fairfax NZ News