Hotline for abuse investigation

Wellington Police have charged school principal Richard Fallowfield Joel with a further 21 charges and are seeking assistance from the public in their ongoing investigation.

Richard Joel, aged 61 years, was originally arrested and charged on 6 October 2009 with 20 child abuse charges. Wellington District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich said, "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."

The new charges relate to five boys aged approximately 9 to 12 years old at the times of the alleged incidents.

Detective Inspector Arnerich says that given the significant number and nature of the charges, the investigation team thinks that there are likely to be other members of the public who can provide information that will assist police in the on-going investigation into the activities of Richard Joel.

"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 have been conducting enquiries with witnesses in a number of countries."

It is alleged that these incidents occurred during various activities including school camps, film evenings and also outside school hours at Richard Joel's residence, in an plane and in a car.

Richard Joel was believed to have been working 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 installed to help the public contact the investigation team and anyone with information can contact investigators on 0800 337 889.