A former staff member at St Bede’s College is facing court proceedings in relation to historical allegations of sexual offences against students at the Christchurch boarding school.

The accused has been charged with four counts of assault on a boy aged between 12 and 16, as well as three counts of indecent assault on a male aged over 16. The offences are said to have occurred approximately two decades ago and involve three former students who boarded at the college during that period.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on 5 November.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said the alleged offender is believed to have targeted boarders at St Bede’s College during the time in question.

She confirmed that investigations are ongoing to establish whether any further offending has occurred but has not yet been reported.

“Police are making contact with students who boarded at the school over the identified period,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Simmons. “We understand that reporting incidents of this nature can be incredibly difficult and distressing, but we want to assure any victims that we take these matters very seriously.”

Simmons said that a dedicated team of officers and detectives is working on the case and that all victims will be provided a safe environment to report any offending in confidence.

Anyone who wishes to contact the police can reach Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons at the Christchurch Central Police Station or report online using file number 230122/3143.