A former school principal accused of possessing child exploitation material has died suddenly before appearing in court.
Paul Whitehead, who has been headteacher of the private Bold Park Community School in Perth for almost a decade, was due to appear in Midland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
But his lawyer, Carole MacKay, told the court on Tuesday morning that the 56-year-old had died on Monday, Western Australia reported.
The charges Whitehead was facing, one count each of possession of child exploitation material, failure to obey an officer and unlawful possession of a controlled or prescription drug, were dropped.
The circumstances of his death were apparently not considered suspicious.
Whitehead had been on extended leave from school for the past six months and was arrested and charged in early September.
At that time, police seized electronic devices believed to belong to him from his Ellenbrook home.
Police alleged the confiscated devices contained child exploitation material.
Paul Whitehead (pictured), a former school headteacher charged with possessing child exploitation material, died suddenly before appearing in court.
The alleged crimes occurred while Whitehead was principal, but there was no evidence that any students at the school were represented, police said.
The school’s acting headteacher, Felicity Kinsella, said they had been informed 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,” he said.
“As always, the safety and well-being 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 spirit at Bold Park Community School has always been resilient and together we will navigate this challenging period with care and unity,” Ms Kinsella said.
Whitehead joined the school in 2010 and became headteacher in 2014.
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