One day before he was due to face a Western Australia court on charges of possessing child exploitation material, a former school principal has died.
56-year-old Paul Whitehead led Bold Park Community School in Western Australia for nearly a decade but had been on long service and study leave from the school for the past six months. He was scheduled to appear in Midland Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 September, however, his lawyer Carole Mackay told the court he had passed away on Monday 16 September.
Whitehead was facing charges that included possession of child exploitation material, failing to obey an officer, and unlawfully possessing a controlled or prescription drug. WA police say the circumstances surrounding his death are not being treated as suspicious.
Whitehead’s arrest earlier this month followed police executing a search warrant at his Ellenbrook home. Electronic devices that allegedly contained child exploitation material were seized. Police confirmed that the alleged offences occurred during Whitehead’s tenure as principal but said there was no evidence students at the WA school were depicted in the material.
Shocking news for school community
Acting principal of Bold Park Community School Felicity Kinsella spoke after the news of Whitehead’s death had been made public
This news has come as a shock, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” she says.
Kinsella made it clear that the safety and well-being of the students remained the school’s priority, adding that counselling services for those needing support was being offered.
“Our Bold Park Community School spirit has always been resilient, and together, we will navigate this challenging period with care and unity,” Kinsella says.
A written statement from the school at the time of Whitehead’s arrest highlighted the shock felt in the close-knit school community.
“We understand that families, past and present, may be distressed by the situation and have many questions and concerns,” the statement said.
“We stand with everyone impacted by this situation and will do all we can to support and uphold the school’s integrity.”
Parenting specialist and author Maggie Dent is a patron of the school and also released a statement:
“I would say please do your best to protect your kids from any news coverage around this issue and, even though I have been told the charges do not relate to the school, it is a salient reminder that we do need to have awkward conversations with our children about body safety and protective behaviours.”
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
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