Latest news with #EdinburghAcademy
Times
7 days ago
- Times
Former Edinburgh Academy teacher guilty of abusing boys for 27 years
A former international rugby referee carried out physical and sexual attacks on boys while he worked at a prestigious private school, a court has ruled. John 'Jake' Young served as director of sport at Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1993 and officiated at matches at Murrayfield and overseas. Edinburgh sheriff court ruled that the 92-year-old was not fit to stand trial. However, an examination of the facts hearing, carried out in his absence, found on Monday that 26 charges made against Young had been substantiated. They included ten charges of assault, three of indecent assault, eight of lewd and libidinous behaviour, four of breaching the peace, and one of cruel and unnatural treatment. The hearing heard Young routinely lashed out at boys, touched them inappropriately and spied on them when they were naked and showering after PE lessons. Outside court a spokesman for the Edinburgh Academy Survivors group read out a statement: 'The determination today from Sheriff Ian Nicol has blown the final whistle for the former international rugby referee and PE teacher Jake Young at Edinburgh Academy. 'This will now provide some comfort for all those boys, some as young as ten years old, who were never believed at the time. 'This examination of the facts has shown that Mr Young carried out acts of cruelty and to have physically and mentally terrified boys that he was trusted to look after during his 27 year tenure. 'His violent and libidinous acts are now a matter of public record.' The spokesman added: 'The fact that numerous men came forward, many decades later, shows the severity and lifelong impact that the abuse has had upon their lives with many waiting over 50 years for justice to be served. 'This will send out a very clear signal that never again will the harmful treatment of children be tolerated. 'The significant passage of time is no barrier to holding those who are guilty to account.' One survivor, who was subjected to a barrage of physical blows in a sudden and unprovoked attacked during a PE lesson in the 1980s, said: 'Young was at the academy for decades and taught PE to nearly all the boys so it would not surprise me if hundreds more were not affected. 'I complained but my complaint was taken to Young.' Another former pupil, also speaking on condition of anonymity, 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 vindicates us.' Two women, believed to be relatives of Young, shouted 'Shame on you all' towards survivors sitting in the gallery after Sheriff Nicol delivered his findings. An interview with Young has been removed from the academy's website. He was one of five former staff members who were arrested and charged in connection with 'non-recent abuse incidents at Edinburgh Academy' in December 2023. The alma mater of Robert Louis Stevenson and Magnus Magnusson, has become embroiled in a series of scandals stretching back decades. Nicky Campbell, the broadcaster and author, is one of scores of former pupils who claim they were subjected to sexual and physical abuse at the academy which has produced generations of surgeons, solicitors and stockbrokers. Efforts are continuing to extradite Iain Wares, 86, who taught at the academy and neighbouring Fettes College in the 1960s and 1970s, and is accused of molesting boys on an 'industrial scale'. Two years ago Campbell, 64, wept as he told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry that he saw or witnessed abuse from four teachers when he attended Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1978. Under oath he likened Wares's alleged crimes to those carried out by Jimmy Savile. The number of former staff at the academy who have been accused of historical sexual and physical abuse is approaching 30. Edinburgh Academy has maintained it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases while there are active legal proceedings. Barry Welsh, the rector, has issued an unreserved public apology to anyone who experienced abuse at the school and urged them to contact Police Scotland.
Telegraph
11-08-2025
- Telegraph
Teacher abused boys at Nicky Campbell's old school over 27 years
A former PE teacher at Nicky Campbell's old school abused more than a dozen of his pupils, a court has found. John Young, 91, used corporal punishment and behaved indecently towards some of his students at Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1993. The teacher would hit pupils with a cricket bat and mocked the bodies of those he deemed to be bad at sport, Edinburgh sheriff court heard. Young was due to face 54 charges including indecent assault, lewd and libidinous behaviour, breaching the peace and cruel and unnatural treatment. But a court ruled that the former international rugby referee was unfit to stand trial or appear in court. Claims of abuse were made against 20 members of teaching staff at the school, spanning 1954 to 1995. Campbell, a BBC presenter, is among former pupils who have spoken about the abuse they faced during their time there. In March 2024, the broadcaster was brought to tears after a court found that a different teacher at the school had abused him and several others over a 20-year period. Sheriff Ian Nicol ruled it was beyond reasonable doubt that Young had carried out 26 of the charges brought against him, but decided that no further action would be taken because of his health. Victims expressed disappointment The sheriff said that placing Young on the sex offenders' register at this stage would serve no practical purpose. Young was acquitted on the remaining 28 allegations. Two victims expressed disappointment that it was not a full conviction, and their belief that 'hundreds' of pupils may have been attacked. One said: 'I find it unfair that I had to endure brutal cross-examinations while the person involved gets to sit at home. Ultimately, we secured the best possible outcome.' Young, who was the only PE teacher at the school, was found to have intentionally exploited his power to 'violate and humiliate' the boys, Fiona Kirkby, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said. During the hearing, evidence was heard from 24 former pupils and a further three witnesses. Victims detailed how Young would use violence to punish them for perceived bad behaviour. Threw basketball at boy's head This included throwing a basketball at a boy's head, slapping another across the head with a clipboard and using a cricket bat to hit several boys across the buttocks, the court heard. The former pupils also described a pattern of Young picking on those who were not good at sport by either physically hitting them for poor performance or mocking their bodies in the changing room. Young was a strict teacher who enforced the school rules, the court heard. One of the rules was that underwear should not be worn under gym shorts. The PE teacher would line students up and ask them to hold the waistband of their shorts out so he could check they were naked underneath. Victims said they continued to be traumatised and struggled to trust figures of authority because of the abuse they suffered. Ms Kirkby said: 'John Young systematically abused young boys over 27 years, while holding a significant position of trust as their teacher at the Edinburgh Academy.' Barry Welsh, the rector of Edinburgh Academy, said: 'Our commitment to facing up to the wrongs of the past remains unwavering. Many former pupils have shown remarkable bravery by giving evidence over several years, and we would like to reiterate our apology to all those affected by any abuse that occurred at our school.'
South Wales Guardian
11-08-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Abusive PE teacher who attacked boys over 27 years exploited trust, court finds
John Young, 91, was found to have targeted pupils while employed as a PE teacher at the independent Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1993 after an Examination of Facts hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court found 26 charges to be established, out of 44 charges alleged by prosecutors. Young was deemed medically unfit to face criminal trial or appear in court but evidence was heard from 24 former pupils, and a further three witnesses, with allegations spanning almost 30 years. Some of the victims told the court that Young would use violence as punishment, including hitting them with a cricket bat, megaphone or wooden wedge, or punching them, leading to issues with lifelong trauma for some. Prosecutors hailed the fact-finding exercise as a 'matter of public record' and said that Young 'had a duty of care to nurture and support these children but instead intentionally exploited his power to violate and humiliate them'. A sheriff ruled on 10 charges of assault, three charges of indecent assault, eight charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour, four charges of breaching the peace, and one charge of cruel and unnatural treatment, according to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). However two victims told of their sorrow that it was not a full conviction, and their belief that 'hundreds' of pupils may have been attacked. A letter from July 1992 was published, where the parent of one boy complained about Young instructing pupils to remove their underwear before putting on their gym shorts, and complaining that this was not conventional practice at four other named schools. Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby said: '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 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.' Procurator Fiscal Fiona Kirkby added: '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.' The first survivor, who was subjected to a barrage of blows during a classroom attack, 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 believe my complaint was taken to Young so the school could silence my complaint rather than address it. 'It's a shame that I and other survivors 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: '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. 'I find it unfair that I had to endure brutal cross-examinations while the person involved gets to sit at home. Ultimately, we secured the best possible outcome.'
Rhyl Journal
11-08-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Abusive PE teacher who attacked boys over 27 years exploited trust, court finds
John Young, 91, was found to have targeted pupils while employed as a PE teacher at the independent Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1993 after an Examination of Facts hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court found 26 charges to be established, out of 44 charges alleged by prosecutors. Young was deemed medically unfit to face criminal trial or appear in court but evidence was heard from 24 former pupils, and a further three witnesses, with allegations spanning almost 30 years. Some of the victims told the court that Young would use violence as punishment, including hitting them with a cricket bat, megaphone or wooden wedge, or punching them, leading to issues with lifelong trauma for some. Prosecutors hailed the fact-finding exercise as a 'matter of public record' and said that Young 'had a duty of care to nurture and support these children but instead intentionally exploited his power to violate and humiliate them'. A sheriff ruled on 10 charges of assault, three charges of indecent assault, eight charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour, four charges of breaching the peace, and one charge of cruel and unnatural treatment, according to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). However two victims told of their sorrow that it was not a full conviction, and their belief that 'hundreds' of pupils may have been attacked. A letter from July 1992 was published, where the parent of one boy complained about Young instructing pupils to remove their underwear before putting on their gym shorts, and complaining that this was not conventional practice at four other named schools. Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby said: '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 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.' Procurator Fiscal Fiona Kirkby added: '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.' The first survivor, who was subjected to a barrage of blows during a classroom attack, 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 believe my complaint was taken to Young so the school could silence my complaint rather than address it. 'It's a shame that I and other survivors 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: '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. 'I find it unfair that I had to endure brutal cross-examinations while the person involved gets to sit at home. Ultimately, we secured the best possible outcome.'
Sky News
11-08-2025
- Sky News
Former Edinburgh Academy PE teacher abused boys for 27 years, court rules
A former PE teacher at a private school in Edinburgh exploited his position of trust to physically and sexually abuse young boys, a court has ruled. John Young, 91, preyed on the children while working at The Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1993. The pensioner was deemed medically unfit to be criminally tried or to appear in court. However, following an examination of facts at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, a sheriff ruled on Monday that Young had repeatedly abused children, with 26 charges found to be established. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said evidence was heard from 24 former pupils and three other witnesses. Some of the victims detailed how Young punished pupils for perceived bad behaviour, including punching them or hitting them with a cricket bat, megaphone or wooden wedge. In 1992, the mother of a pupil wrote a letter of complaint to Young over his requirement for boys to remove their underpants prior to putting on their gym shorts. While accepting the "stated reason" was to avoid the youngsters spending the rest of the day after gym in sweaty underpants, she argued it caused "considerable embarrassment" and was not the practice at other independent schools. The mum stated: "I do not think that it is a reasonable practice for boys of this age and I have asked the opinion of many of the other mothers in my son's year who are also against it." COPFS said many of the victims told of how they continue to be traumatised and struggle to trust figures of authority due to the abuse they suffered. 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. Young was found to have committed 26 offences, which included eight counts of lewd and libidinous practices and behaviour; four counts of breach of the peace; five counts of assault to injury; five counts of assault; three counts of indecent assault; and one count of cruel and unnatural treatment. Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby said: "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."
