87-year-old convicted child sex offender Iain Wares’ sentencing delayed after health scare

Sentencing proceedings for former teacher and convicted child sex offender Iain Wares have been postponed until September 4, following a health incident at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. The delay allows for defence expert witness testimony to be presented. Wares was convicted earlier this year for an indecent assault committed against a former pupil at Rondebosch Boys' Preparatory School in 1988.

Three members of Women & Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) attended the court proceedings to hear arguments in mitigation and aggravation of sentence. Wares' attorney, William Fullard, called social worker Arina Smit to testify about assessments conducted prior to sentencing. The 76-page report prepared by Smit includes a risk assessment, psychosocial report, and evaluation of Wares, which the court will use to decide on an appropriate sentence.

WMACA expressed concern that the reports were only handed over to the state on the day of proceedings, despite being expected weeks earlier. Smit outlined her assessment methods, including factors related to the risk of reoffending. WMACA believes the conviction warrants a custodial sentence and that arguments minimizing the offence should not result in a lenient sentence.

Wares suffered health difficulties during the lunch adjournment, allegedly collapsing after eating at a nearby restaurant, possibly due to a pre-existing health condition. The case will resume on September 4, with further evidence from the defence expert witness.