Former Teacher Convicted in South Africa
A former educator facing historical sexual abuse allegations in Scotland has been convicted of indecent assault against a former pupil in South Africa.
Iain Wares, aged 86, has been accused by numerous former students from Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, where he taught during the 1960s and 1970s. Among his accusers is BBC presenter Nicky Campbell.
Currently residing in Cape Town, Wares was previously ruled by the high court to be extraditable to Scotland to face trial; however, this extradition was delayed due to the submission of additional charges by authorities.
Separate South African Conviction
In a distinct legal proceeding, a Cape Town court found Wares guilty of indecently assaulting a former student who alleged sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s.
The sentencing for this conviction has been deferred until 13 May.
Extradition Proceedings and Charges
Scottish prosecutors initially requested Wares' extradition in 2018, resulting in his arrest in 2019 on seven counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct.
In 2024, the High Court in Cape Town authorized his extradition on three charges; nevertheless, the process was postponed as Scottish authorities pursued additional allegations.
Wares was detained under a UK extradition warrant in October of the previous year and subsequently released on bail. A hearing regarding his extradition is scheduled for 16 April.
South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority reported that the supplementary charges encompass 60 counts of sexual assault, four counts of rape, and 25 counts of assault.
Wares denies all allegations and has contested the extradition.
