A former school teacher was found guilty in the Wynberg regional court on Thursday of possession of child pornography, and nine counts of indecent assault on young boys.
William John Creasey, 55, of Oakdale Flats in Plumstead, appeared before magistrate Susan Smith, who remanded him to June 9 when sentencing proceedings will start.
For reasons not explained, the magistrate declared the hearing in camera. She ordered everyone not involved in the proceedings out of the courtroom - including the victims, parents and the media.
It is normal for reporters to be excluded from trials involving sexual offences, where the offender pleads not guilty, thereby compelling the prosecution to lead the testimony of sensitive victims.
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However, Creasey pleaded guilty, making it unnecessary for the prosecution to place any testimony before the court, or for the hearing to be in camera.
The barred parents, who may not be named, were outraged by the ban on their presence in court, especially as no reasons were given. They plan to take up the matter with Western Cape Regional Court President Gadija Khan.
Prosecutor Dawn Coleman nor defence attorney Van Zyl Loots were able to explain why the case had to be in camera.
At the time of Creasey's arrest in September last year, police described it as the biggest bust in the Western Cape involving possession of child pornography.
According to Coleman, the pornography charge involved 180 minutes of video footage, 265 digital movie clips, 16 photographic slides and 626 still images. - Sapa
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