Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	John Edgar case
	Waikato Times April 29, 1998 Charges a warning for male teachers by Keri Welham The former Hamilton teacher acquitted on indecency charges is warning men to avoid teaching because it leaves them open to child sex allegations. John Edgar, 37, today said men thinking of becoming teachers should think again because most allegations of sexual misconduct "seem to focus on men". He said men may have to "team-teach" in future so they are not left alone with students. Male primary teachers in the Waikato today said they often took precautions to protect themselves from sex allegations. None would put their names to their comments. One man, a principal, said he takes care to ensure he is never alone with a student. The man said he sometimes "took the risk" and touched children because it was a part of good teaching. "I've been told all through my career not to touch children -- but to me a touch on the shoulder is worth a thousand words." The principal said he would resign when the point was reached he could no longer touch children. Another teacher said most schools had students and parents capable of "going overboard" with allegations. Teachers often talked about the issue. He said Dr Edgar's situation was especially sad because he had a reputation as a brilliant teacher. Primary schools were desperate for male teachers because many children from single-parent families had no significant male in their lives. He said Dr Edgar would have had to be more careful when dealing with students because he was homosexual. Parents dropping off children at Hukanui School this morning were elated with the acquittal. Nick Lloyd, parent of a child in Dr Edgar's class last year, said the outcome was a tribute to the justice system. "You don't like to see anybody accused of something they haven't done. He's an excellent teacher." Parent Naomi Runga said Dr Edgar was a lovely man. Other parents, who refused to be named, said it was great news, Dr Edgar was a "wonderful man" and some had had "a gut feeling" he wasn't guilty. Some were concerned male teachers would opt out of the profession. A parent whose child made allegations against Dr Edgar would not comment. Other parents of a 10-year-old at the school, Phil and Viv Young, said: "People often judge people like him who are a bit different. It's a bit like Peter Ellis". The Youngs were concerned male teachers would opt out of teaching as a profession. "It's really sad that male teachers have these things happen. His life and his career will be affected." Mrs Young said children needed male influence in their lives and she was worried children would suffer if all teachers were female. One mother said her child "loved" Dr Edgar and had been devastated by the case. Dr Edgar today said his teaching career was finished. "There will probably always be the finger of suspicion," he said. He said a male teacher witness had helped him destroy the allegations in court.