Perth private school principal accused of perverted act suddenly dies before he can face court

A former school principal accused of possessing child exploitation material has died suddenly, before he faced court.

Paul Whitehead, who has been principal of the private Bold Park Community School in Perth for nearly a decade, was scheduled to appear in Midland Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

But his lawyer, Carole MacKay, told the court on Tuesday morning that the 56-year-old had died on Monday, the West Australian reported. 

The charges Whitehead was facing, one count of possessing child exploitation material, failing to obey an officer and unlawfully possessing a controlled or prescription drug, were discontinued.

The circumstances of his death were reportedly not considered suspicious.

Whitehead had been on long service leave from the school for the past six months and was arrested and charged earlier in September. 

At the time, the police took electronic devices allegedly belonging to him from his Ellenbrook home.

The police had alleged the seized devices had child exploitation material on them.

The alleged offences occurred while Whitehead was a school principal, but there was no evidence any student from the school was depicted, police said.

The school’s acting principal Felicity Kinsella said the they had been told of Whitehead’s death.

‘This news has come as a shock, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time,’ she said.

‘As always, the safety and wellbeing of our children is our priority, and we will continue to ensure a nurturing environment here at our school.’

Counselling has been offered to members of the school community.

‘Our Bold Park Community School spirit has always been resilient, and together, we will navigate this challenging period with care and unity,’ Ms Kinsella said.

Whitehead started at the school in 2010 and became principal in 2014.

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