Short delay in teacher abuse trial, with Crown prosecutors expected to close case on Monday

The trial of a former Hobart teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple students over several decades beginning in the 1970s has been delayed due to the illness of key legal personnel.

Keith Athol Bates-Willie, 71, has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges – including rape, indecent assault, and the persistent sexual abuse of a child – allegedly committed against nine different males from the late 1970s to the early-2000s.

The trial of a former Hobart high school teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple students over several decades beginning in the 1970s has been delayed due to the illness of key legal personnel.

Keith Athol Bates-Willie, 71, has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges – including rape, indecent assault, and the persistent sexual abuse of a child – allegedly committed against nine different males from the late 1970s to the early-2000s.

On Thursday morning, Justice Stephen Estcourt informed the jury that the trial – which has been running since the start of last week – was being adjourned until Friday.

Justice Estcourt told jury members that Crown prosecutors expected to close their case against Mr Bates-Willie on Monday.

The former teacher is accused of carrying out abuse on students during his time working at Rosetta High School, Kingston High School, and Rosny College.

During the trial, complainants have given evidence about being assaulted on school grounds; at the defendant’s home; inside his parked car; at other locations in Hobart; and in a spa in South Australia.

The trial continues.

Originally published as Short delay in teacher abuse trial, with Crown prosecutors expected to close case on Monday