Personal Injury

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.