A former Scottish teacher accused of decades-old sexual abuse has been found guilty in Cape Town of indecently assaulting a former pupil.
Iain Wares, 86, had faced numerous allegations from former students at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, where he taught in the 1960s and 1970s. He later moved to South Africa, where the latest case against him was brought.
In the Cape Town trial, the court ruled that Wares had indecently assaulted a student in the 1980s. The victim, identified as Stephen to protect his identity, said he felt relief after waiting more than three decades for justice.
“I’m very happy with the judgment,” he said, while acknowledging that many other alleged victims are still awaiting their day in court.
Stephen was a pupil at a state school in Cape Town when the abuse occurred in 1988. He also paid tribute to Women and Men Against Child Abuse for its support throughout the legal process.
The court found Stephen to be a credible witness, concluding that prosecutors had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. Wares is due to be sentenced on 13 May.
The conviction comes as Wares continues to fight extradition to United Kingdom, where he faces a large number of additional charges. Scottish authorities first sought his extradition in 2018, and a court previously approved the move, although the process has been delayed as further allegations emerged.
According to prosecutors, the additional charges include dozens of counts of sexual assault, as well as allegations of rape and physical abuse. Wares denies all accusations.
Legal representatives for several alleged victims in Scotland say the Cape Town conviction marks a significant step, and have called for swift action to ensure he is extradited to face further proceedings.
Many survivors, they say, are still waiting for justice.
