Who Is Rodney Neville Watkins? Former Perth Teacher Found Guilty of Child S*xual Abuse

Rodney Neville Watkins, a 76-year-old former schoolteacher from Perth, has been found guilty of sexually abusing four young boys during the 1970s and 1980s. His crimes took place across multiple locations, including schools, his home, the Swan River, and Rottnest Island.

Court Trial and Verdict

Watkins faced 14 charges of indecent dealing in the WA District Court. Despite denying all allegations, he was found guilty on every charge. The victims, now adults, shared harrowing testimonies—most appearing via video link.

The court also heard about Watkins’ deceased partner, Robert Lefroy, who was allegedly involved in the abuse. The pair reportedly targeted boys from schools where they taught.

Locations of Abuse

• School Library in Perth

• Watkins’ Home – including a pool, sauna, and drug use involving “the happy pipe”

• Swan River Boating Trip

• Nedlands Yacht Club Showers

• Rottnest Island Camping Trip

Victims’ Testimonies

First Victim (Now in His 50s)

He described being groomed with alcohol and hashish, then sexually assaulted at Watkins’ home and later during a sailing trip. He was abused in a yacht club shower block after being taken on a boat ride.

Second Victim (Now in His 60s)

He had been taught by Lefroy. He broke down in court describing how he was assaulted at the teachers’ house at just nine years old. He recalled being slapped when he tried to escape.

Third Victim (Age 10 at the Time)

This boy was abused during a school excursion to Rottnest Island. He recounted how both men attacked him inside a tent after forcing him to remove his swimwear. The assault caused physical injury.

Fourth Victim (Also 10 at the Time)

He told the court he was exposed to inappropriate material and forced into abuse. He remembered Watkins saying other men “might want to join in,” leaving him feeling “disgusted.”

Reaction and Sentencing

Watkins showed no emotion when the guilty verdicts were announced.
He has been remanded in custody and will face sentencing in November.

Why This Case Matters

This conviction highlights decades-old abuse finally being acknowledged. The bravery of survivors bringing evidence forward has led to long-overdue justice.