Teacher accused of indecent assault
A former Auckland schoolteacher facing 10 charges of indecently assaulting children can now be named.
Benjamin Swann’s interim name suppression was lifted by Justice Patricia Courtney, who yesterday provided the Herald with her ruling allowing publication.
Swann was last a teacher at Ota¯ ¯ huhu College and had taught at other Auckland schools in a career that spanned more than 30 years.
He has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges of doing an indecent act on a young person and is due to go on trial in April.
Swann has agreed to stop teaching. He had tried to keep his name secret, after being granted name suppression last year in the Manukau District Court.
O¯ ta¯ huhu College also made an application for continued name suppression and a take-down order for Swann’s social media posts referring to the school.
The Herald, Radio NZ and Stuff journalists opposed the applications at a High Court hearing in late May. Justice Courtney dismissed all the applications but suppressed her reasons for doing so. Detective Inspector Colin Higson, of Counties Manukau Police, said his main concern was ensuring the privacy of the victims and to avoid any speculation as to their identities. “They have been through a traumatic experience and their welfare is our number one priority,” he said. Anyone who wishes to talk to police can contact Detective Sergeant Simon Beal on 09 353 0032.