Keith Bates-Willie Verdict: Tasmanian Teacher Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse
The trial of former Hobart teacher Keith Athol Bates-Willie has concluded with a guilty verdict on all charges. Below, we answer the key questions about the case, the evidence, and what comes next.
Who is Keith Athol Bates-Willie?
Keith Athol Bates-Willie, aged 71, is a former Tasmanian drama and theatre teacher. He taught at Rosetta High School, Kingston High School, and Rosny College between the late 1970s and mid-2000s.
What Was the Verdict in the Bates-Willie Trial?
The jury in the Supreme Court of Tasmania found Bates-Willie guilty on all 14 charges, including:
- Rape
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Persistent sexual abuse of a child
- Indecent assault
He was convicted after a three-week trial and six hours of jury deliberations, with 10 unanimous guilty verdicts and 4 majority verdicts (ABC News, Herald Sun).
How Did the Jury React?
The jury foreperson cried while reading the verdicts, a sign of the emotional weight of the case. Bates-Willie showed little reaction and was remanded in custody immediately.
What Evidence Did the Jury Hear?
Survivors gave detailed and consistent testimony. Key evidence included:
- Abuse in dark rooms, costume areas, and storage spaces during drama classes.
- Sleepovers at Bates-Willie’s home, where alcohol was provided to minors (ABC News).
- Grooming behaviour: extra rehearsals, car rides, and cultivating a “cult-like” environment.
- Reports to school principals that were ignored or dismissed, with some students recalling homophobic remarks from leadership (Herald Sun).
- A secret tape recording of inappropriate sexual comments, allegedly ignored by school authorities.
What Did the Defence Argue?
The defence claimed:
- Some complaints were financially motivated due to civil compensation claims (Herald Sun).
- The Crown “cherry-picked” evidence.
- Bates-Willie had consensual relationships with adults, but committed no crimes.
- His flamboyant personality and openness about sexuality made him a target.
The jury rejected these arguments.
What Happens Next?
Bates-Willie will be sentenced in the coming weeks. The court will weigh aggravating factors, including:
- Abuse of trust as a teacher
- Victims’ young age and vulnerability
- Prolonged and repeated offending
- Long-term harm to survivors
Sentencing decisions will be published on the Supreme Court of Tasmania’s Sentencing page.
Why Is This Case Significant?
- It confirms that justice is possible in historic abuse cases, even decades later.
- It highlights institutional failures, as schools ignored repeated warnings.
- It underscores the power of survivor testimony in bringing perpetrators to account.
Koffels’ Commitment to Supporting Survivors of Abuse
At Koffels Solicitors & Barristers, we act for survivors of historic and institutional abuse. The Bates-Willie case shows how persistence and courage can result in justice — even years later.
If you have experienced abuse in a school, workplace, religious organisation or community setting, you are not alone. We provide a free and confidential call-back service to explain your legal rights and options.
📞 Call us today on +61 2 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back form below to speak directly with one of our experienced lawyers.
