Former teacher found to have sexually and physically abused boys
The case was heard at the Examination of Facts at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, with a letter written by a parent to the teacher in July 1992 demanding an explanation as to why young boys were forced to remove their underwear before putting on gym shorts.
The explanation given was that he did not want students to 'spending the rest of the day after gym in sweaty underpants'.
The court heard evidence from 24 former pupils and three other witnesses, and they were told he would use violence to punish pupils for perceived bad behaviour, which included hitting them with a cricket bat, megaphone or wooden wedge as well as punching them.
A letter sent by one of the parents to John Young (Image: COPFS) Many said they remain traumatised by the abuse and struggle to trust authority figures even now.
The court had previously determined that the accused was not fit to stand trial and ordered an Examination of Facts, where the Procurator Fiscal depute and the defence led evidence, which was tested before a sheriff.
Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said: 'The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service consistently and successfully strives to secure justice for those affected by non-recent abuse.
'John Young systematically abused young boys, over a period of 27 years, while holding a significant position of trust as their teacher at the Edinburgh Academy.
'He had a duty of care to nurture and support these children but instead intentionally exploited his power to violate and humiliate them.
'This Examination of Facts is a public airing of the facts and an acknowledgement that what happened to these children in the past was criminal. It should never have occurred.
'It is now a matter of public record that Young committed offences including lewd and libidinous behaviour, indecent assault and cruel and unnatural treatment.
'The court's finding today also sends a clear message to abusers: no matter who you are, when the abuse happened or how long after the event it is reported, there will be a robust response from prosecutors.
'Sexual abuse and the use of force upon children is a crime.
'To any victim of such offending, we urge you to report it when you feel ready and able to do so. Be assured you will be listened to and supported. We remain committed to investigating and pursuing those culpable to seek conclusions.'
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Two of his victims, who wish to remain anonymous, issued statements through their law firm Irwin Mitchell.
The first survivor, who was subjected to a barrage of physical blows during a sudden attack in a classroom, said: 'Young was at the Academy for decades and taught PE to nearly every boy so it would not surprise me if hundreds more were affected.
'I think the school had lots of opportunities to prevent his abuse. I complained but I believe my complaint was taken to Young so the school could work to silence my complaint rather than address it.
'It's a shame that I and other survivors have to settle for an examination of facts hearing and are denied the chance to get a conviction – I hope police and fiscals get the chance to act quickly against abusers in the future so the chance for others to secure justice is not lost.'
The second survivor added: 'This outcome should send shivers down the spines of Edinburgh Academy bosses.
'For decades survivors like myself have been accused of lying, exaggerating or misremembering but now we have a black and white decision that finally acknowledges us.
'Although it's not a full conviction I think it's still better than what the school ever did as I felt its own investigations and processes fell massively short of basic safeguarding steps for children.
'One key takeaway for me was the process – I find it unfair that I had to endure brutal cross examinations while the person involved gets to sit at home like nothing's happening.
'But ultimately, we secured the best possible outcome so I'm now just going to go home, process it and move forwards feeling a good deal lighter now the truth has had its day.'
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