Sentencing Postponed for Former Teacher Convicted in South Africa
Iain Wares, an 86-year-old former teacher, has had his sentencing for a sexual assault conviction in South Africa postponed for the third time. In March, Wynberg Magistrate's Court in Cape Town found Wares guilty of indecently assaulting a former pupil at Rondebosch Boys' Primary School in 1988.
The latest hearing was delayed after Wares' legal team submitted a medical certificate indicating he was unfit to attend the sentencing. Previous postponements occurred on 13 May and 17 June. The next procedural hearing is scheduled for 21 July, where a new sentencing date will be set; Wares is not expected to be present.
Extradition and Historical Abuse Allegations
Wares, who currently resides in Cape Town, faces numerous historical sexual abuse allegations from former pupils of Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, where he taught during the 1960s and 1970s. A South African judge has ruled in favour of his extradition to Scotland to face trial, though this process has been delayed due to additional charges being filed.
Scottish prosecutors initially requested Wares' extradition in 2018, resulting in his arrest in South Africa the following year on seven charges related to lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices. He was arrested again under a UK extradition warrant in October last year but was released on bail.
An extradition hearing scheduled for 16 April was cancelled because the state prosecutor was ill and no replacement was available.
Accusers and Charges
Among Wares' accusers is BBC presenter Nicky Campbell, who has stated that although he was not abused by Wares, he witnessed the teacher sexually abusing a pupil.
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority has reported that the additional charges against Wares include 60 counts of sexual assault, four counts of rape, and 25 counts of assault.
Wares denies all charges and continues to contest the extradition.
More information on this case includes:
- Ex-teacher accused of Edinburgh school abuse found guilty of sex attack in South Africa
- Ex-teacher accused of Edinburgh school abuse faces extradition hearing
- Extradition delay 'crushing' for former pupils
