Perth private school principal accused of perverted acts dies suddenly before appearing in court

A former school principal accused of possessing child exploitation material has died suddenly before he was due to appear in court.

Paul Whitehead, who has been principal of the private Bold Park Community School in Perth for almost a decade, appeared in Midland District Court on Tuesday.

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

Charges against Whitehead, including possession of child exploitation material, failure to obey an officer and unlawful possession of a controlled or prescribed drug, were dropped.

The circumstances of his death were reportedly not considered suspicious.

Whitehead had been on extended leave from school for the past six months and was previously arrested and charged in September.

At the time, police seized electronic devices believed to be his from his Ellenbrook home.

Police alleged that the seized devices contained material intended to exploit children.

Paul Whitehead (pictured), a former school principal accused of possessing child exploitation material, has died suddenly before appearing in court

The alleged violations occurred when Whitehead was principal, but there is no evidence that a student from the school was in the photo, police said.

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

“This news comes as a shock. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” she said.

‘As always, the safety and well-being of our children is our top priority. We will continue to provide a stimulating learning environment at our school.’

Counseling has been offered to members of the Bold Park Community School (pictured)

Counseling has been offered to members of the school community.

“Our Bold Park Community School spirit has always been resilient and together we will get through this challenging period with care and unity,” said Ms Kinsella.

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

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