Advice from DPP in relation to evidence to Royal Commission
The Tasmania Police file in relation to allegations made to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse against former Hutchins School teacher Ronald Thomas has been reviewed by the office of the DPP.
We have accepted the advice provided by the DPP that; “…on the available evidence there is unlikely to be a reasonable prospect of conviction in relation to either complainant…Mr Thomas should not be charged with any offence.”
It has been 45 years since the alleged incidents took place. Understandably that length of time has had an impact on the recollections of specific events, and potential witnesses are now deceased.
In addition, Mr Thomas has denied the allegations.
Tasmania Police has kept the two complainants informed about the investigation and the outcome of the DPP review.
Donna Adams
Assistant Commissioner