College closes ranks over deb paedophile controversy

Andrew Mathieson
A PRESTIGIOUS Geelong private school has closed ranks against a furore over a convicted child paedophile attending a recent debutante ball.
A spokesperson said on Wednesday that Christian College would make no further comment on the controversy.
Christian College has refused to publicly denounce principal Darryl Riddle’s decision to sit at the ball on the same table as brother Gary, who was charged with 14 counts of indecent assault against nine girls under the age of 16.
Gary John Riddle was sentenced in 2002 to five years in prison for offences he committed between 1971 and 1989 during his time as a school teacher.
The Riddle brothers were seated with several other family members, some of whom are also employed at the school.
Outraged parents have publicly accused Darryl Riddle of breaching his duty of care to vulnerable girls at the school event nearly a fortnight ago.
An email from the school told parents “at no point was the school’s duty of care to our students breached”.
A statement from the college board highlighted Mr Riddle’s achievements in charge.
Chairman Chris Golden said the school’s expansion was a “clear indication of the high regard held by the community” of the college, the principal and staff.
“Appropriate student supervision and security” was provided at the ball, Mr Golden said.