Latest news with #LadySmith
The Independent
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Paedophile blames Starmer for ‘damning' teachers accused of historic abuse
A paedophile who was convicted at two separate trials of abusing children in residential care has told an inquiry that Sir Keir Starmer had created a situation where anyone accused of historic abuse was 'damned'. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is investigating abuse in residential settings including boarding schools, religious establishments and foster care. The current phase of the inquiry is examining the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities. Brian Dailey, 78, was convicted in 2017 and also 2022 of a total of 21 charges, of which 16 were sex offences, spanning 1969 to 1984. Seven of the complainants had been pupils at Woodfield Ladymary in Edinburgh where he was a houseparent. In 2017 he was jailed for 10 years and in 2022 he was sentenced to 15 years at the High Court in Glasgow, which was later reduced to 12 years. Dailey appeared at the inquiry by videolink on Tuesday and said 'children do tell lies', insisting he will protest his innocence until he dies. He also told the inquiry: 'I've never raped anyone.' Dailey criticised the Prime Minister and said: 'Keir Starmer, when director of public prosecutions, said any child had to be believed. Children, believe it or not, do lie.' Justice is devolved in Scotland and Sir Keir covered England and Wales in his former role as head of the Crown Prosecution Service. Inquiry chairwoman Lady Smith said: 'You have convictions for offences against 13 complainers from four different institutions over 15 years, are you suggesting they got together to make it up?' Dailey said: 'I'm not suggesting anything, children tell lies, if adults keep believing these lies the children can get more and more drawn into the lie and find themselves totally abandoned with nothing else to do but continue this lie.' Lady Smith said: 'Are you suggesting that if children have been abused they shouldn't come forward?' Dailey said: 'That is a complete fabrication. There was a time when responsible adults didn't just believe what children said. 'I have every sympathy for children who have been abused but they should be treated properly. There are some of us who are innocent but they get caught up. 'As soon as they hear the word 'historic abuse' they say 'he is guilty', he is damned from the word go, everything he says is taken as rubbish.' The UK Government did not wish to comment. Counsel inquiry Ruth Innes KC read from Dailey's statement, which said: 'I never abused a single soul.' Dailey said: 'That's my position, it always has been and it will be until the day I die.' Earlier on Tuesday, the inquiry heard from a teacher who was acquitted of abusing children and who claimed many allegations were made due to people hoping for compensation. The man, who was referred to using the pseudonym Harry after he was acquitted at a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, said he was unaware of abuse occurring when he worked at Starley Hall School, a residential school in Fife, but believed now that it must have gone on. Giving evidence, he said he recalled a school worker telling him he had been charged with abuse and did not know the outcome. However he told the inquiry he believed police had 'coached youngsters' to make allegations, after he was charged in 2022, but later cleared. Harry said: 'It seemed they were told 'if you have been abused you can claim compensation'.' A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'All reports of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland irrespective of when a crime took place. 'Victims will be fully supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies throughout. 'We are very aware of how difficult it can be to report being a victim of child abuse. We will listen, we will investigate. 'Police Scotland is fully supportive of, and engaged with, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.' The inquiry continues.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- The Independent
Convicted teacher maintains innocence at Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
A teacher who sexually abused a pupil at a special education school in Fife has maintained his innocence before the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, insisting he is 'completely innocent'. Robert Jennings, 70, was convicted in 2021 of one charge of lewd, indecent & libidinous practices and behaviour during his time at the school in the 1980s and 1990s. He was sentenced to a nine-month restriction of liberty order preventing him from leaving home from 7pm to 7am each day, fined £2,000 and placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Giving evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) on Friday, the maths and PE teacher insisted he did not 'experience or witness any abuse at the school' during his time there. He added that he 'didn't know why anybody would make allegations of abuse' at the school, where he taught in the 1980s and 1990s. During the inquiry, the pensioner was asked what he remembered about his trial, including whether any evidence was heard relating to offences other than that for which he was convicted. Inquiry chair Lady Smith asked him: 'Do you remember the one woman giving evidence about you touching her under her shirt when she was a child?' Jennings replied: 'All I can say is I don't. I am innocent of everything. I never touched her.' She pressed him on whether any other witnesses gave evidence in the trial, saying 'there must have been 'at least two women if not three giving evidence', but he said he couldn't remember, adding that he had 'pushed it out of (his) mind'. Finally, Lady Smith asked him: 'Do you have an explanation as to why she made the allegations against you?' 'Not at all,' Jennings replied. Earlier, the inquiry heard evidence from a former senior staff member referred to as 'Martin', who worked at the independent Starley Hall school in Fife for a number of years. He was given an alias as he was granted anonymity by the inquiry. Martin was asked about 'various allegations' of abusive behaviour that had been made against him by former pupils at Starley Hall, a residential school for children with special educational needs. These included, the inquiry heard, that he kicked and punched a child who had missed a bus home from a school trip, that he pulled a child out of bed by the legs, and that held a child down in a chair by the arms. He denied the allegations, saying he never physically assaulted any child during his time at the school, which had up to 39 pupils at any one time. He also dismissed more general allegations about the school, including that pupils were ever force-fed, or that children who wet the bed were mocked and forced to carry their bedclothes down to the laundry. He also told the inquiry that complaints made about residential schools are sometimes caused by 'misunderstandings'. 'A lot of people wanted to say bad things happened at Starley Hall school,' he said. 'Some people's lives didn't turn out as they wanted to them to, and there's a lot of reasons for that.' He added: 'Some people have been encouraged to make statements and have been in contact with each other and have encouraged each other.' Martin explained this can lead to people changing how they remember events, and that something that was 'dealt with at the time' can come to be described 'much more seriously' 20 years later. He acknowledged this risked sounding 'trite' in front of an inquiry set up to look into allegations of child abuse across Scotland. 'It is not dismissing the fact difficult and wrong things happened,' he said, 'but I do think some of the stories that have come out have come from people talking to each other and encouraging each other.' The witness was also asked about how the school maintained discipline, including its policy on the use of restraint for physically disruptive pupils. He explained that for many years there was no specific standard for restraining pupils, but that this changed when the school had staff trained in the 'management of violence' programme. Developed for dealing with young offenders, the inquiry heard it involved some holds that worked using 'pain control' to restrain pupils, with staff pressing on pupils' pressure points. Martin said it was the 'only course' the school could find, at the time, and the fact it included pain control was one reason why the school changed to a different restraint policy after two years. The inquiry is investigating abuse in residential settings including boarding schools, religious establishments and foster care. The inquiry before Lady Smith continues.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Convicted teacher maintains innocence at Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
A teacher who sexually abused a pupil at a special education school in Fife has maintained his innocence before the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, insisting he is 'completely innocent'. Robert Jennings, 70, was convicted in 2021 of one charge of lewd, indecent & libidinous practices and behaviour during his time at the school in the 1980s and 1990s. He was sentenced to a nine-month restriction of liberty order preventing him from leaving home from 7pm to 7am each day, fined £2,000 and placed on the sex offenders register for five years. Giving evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) on Friday, the maths and PE teacher insisted he did not 'experience or witness any abuse at the school' during his time there. He added that he 'didn't know why anybody would make allegations of abuse' at the school, where he taught in the 1980s and 1990s. During the inquiry, the pensioner was asked what he remembered about his trial, including whether any evidence was heard relating to offences other than that for which he was convicted. Inquiry chair Lady Smith asked him: 'Do you remember the one woman giving evidence about you touching her under her shirt when she was a child?' Jennings replied: 'All I can say is I don't. I am innocent of everything. I never touched her.' She pressed him on whether any other witnesses gave evidence in the trial, saying 'there must have been 'at least two women if not three giving evidence', but he said he couldn't remember, adding that he had 'pushed it out of (his) mind'. Finally, Lady Smith asked him: 'Do you have an explanation as to why she made the allegations against you?' 'Not at all,' Jennings replied. Earlier, the inquiry heard evidence from a former senior staff member referred to as 'Martin', who worked at the independent Starley Hall school in Fife for a number of years. He was given an alias as he was granted anonymity by the inquiry. Martin was asked about 'various allegations' of abusive behaviour that had been made against him by former pupils at Starley Hall, a residential school for children with special educational needs. These included, the inquiry heard, that he kicked and punched a child who had missed a bus home from a school trip, that he pulled a child out of bed by the legs, and that held a child down in a chair by the arms. He denied the allegations, saying he never physically assaulted any child during his time at the school, which had up to 39 pupils at any one time. He also dismissed more general allegations about the school, including that pupils were ever force-fed, or that children who wet the bed were mocked and forced to carry their bedclothes down to the laundry. He also told the inquiry that complaints made about residential schools are sometimes caused by 'misunderstandings'. 'A lot of people wanted to say bad things happened at Starley Hall school,' he said. 'Some people's lives didn't turn out as they wanted to them to, and there's a lot of reasons for that.' He added: 'Some people have been encouraged to make statements and have been in contact with each other and have encouraged each other.' Martin explained this can lead to people changing how they remember events, and that something that was 'dealt with at the time' can come to be described 'much more seriously' 20 years later. He acknowledged this risked sounding 'trite' in front of an inquiry set up to look into allegations of child abuse across Scotland. 'It is not dismissing the fact difficult and wrong things happened,' he said, 'but I do think some of the stories that have come out have come from people talking to each other and encouraging each other.' The witness was also asked about how the school maintained discipline, including its policy on the use of restraint for physically disruptive pupils. He explained that for many years there was no specific standard for restraining pupils, but that this changed when the school had staff trained in the 'management of violence' programme. Developed for dealing with young offenders, the inquiry heard it involved some holds that worked using 'pain control' to restrain pupils, with staff pressing on pupils' pressure points. Martin said it was the 'only course' the school could find, at the time, and the fact it included pain control was one reason why the school changed to a different restraint policy after two years. The inquiry is investigating abuse in residential settings including boarding schools, religious establishments and foster care. The inquiry before Lady Smith continues.
The Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Lords reform task force proposed amid moves to oust hereditary peers
The Cabinet minister made the suggestion as she sought to reassure peers that promised future Lords reform 'will not flounder', after the planned removal of hereditary peers. Responding, to concerns it would be 'a very good and highly-qualified talking shop', Lady Smith stressed it was important for the House to take a view and so press ahead with changes on its own or be used to pave the way for legislation if required. Although subject to discussion, Lady Smith hoped the committee could be set up within three months of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill being passed and its findings be considered within a year. The Lords leader outlined the proposal as peers prepared to vote on plans to oust bloodline members, which has faced heavy Tory criticism. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, which has already been through the Commons, will abolish the 92 seats reserved for members of the upper chamber who are there by right of birth. The Bill delivers on a promise in Labour's election manifesto and was promoted as the first step in a process of reform. Having held extensive meetings with peers, Lady Smith said: 'I think the House is seeking reassurance that the plans for the next stage of reforms will not flounder, and the Government is serious about its intention for further reforms. 'Can I say I've been greatly encouraged by support for two specific issues have been mentioned so many times … and that is on retirement and participation.' She added: 'We all value the role of this House as being self-governing, and I am keen that as a House, we take some ownership in moving forward on other issues. 'But reflecting on discussions and advice, I feel we need a formal and recognised process that is supported by the House. 'I've considered the mechanisms we could use, and I've concluded the best way forward would be to establish a dedicated select committee to look at the specific matters that members have indicated they're keen to make progress on. 'I am open to discussing other mechanisms, but that's the way forward I think may work the best. 'Obviously, I will discuss further with usual channels (party whips) before putting any such proposal to the house, but I would hope the House could probably set up such a committee within three months of the Bill gaining royal assent, and by this time next year, the House be able to consider the committee's findings.' Tory former Lords leader Lord Strathclyde said: 'What authority will this committee have? Would it be regarded by the Government as having authority? 'In other words, would its conclusions, or if it is passed by the House, would it be carried on by the Government, or would it be what I rather suspect, it will be a very good and highly-qualified talking shop, but it won't in the end, lead to anything because the Government will very easily be able to ignore it completely?' Responding, Lady Smith said: 'Well, I really hope that wouldn't be the case. 'There some things that may be able to be done by the House itself, but if the House comes to a conclusion on matters that need legislation, then I think there's an easier way to put through legislation if the House has taken a view. 'So, I'm very keen to have the House express a view.' 'But there may well be things that we can do without legislation. If that's the case, we can proceed. 'Where legislation is required … we have a manifesto commitment for legislation, and we determined to press ahead to these two issues.' Lady Smith acknowledged the manifesto proposal for members to retire at the end of the Parliament after they reached the age of 80 could create problems because it created a cliff-edge and see an exodus of peers. She said: 'If there are better suggestions, I would be happy to consider those.' She told peers: 'It would be purely on the issues of participation and retirement age. 'I'm quite keen to make progress on these issues, and I think by having what I call bite-sized chunks, I've always referred to these two issues as being stage two (of reform). 'There seems to be a consensus around the house that those are two issues the House wants to deal with, and that's why I've chosen those two specific issues because they were mentioned so often by members.'
Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Telegraph
Edinburgh school ‘protected' abusers for decades
Merchiston Castle School, which charges annual fees of up to £50,000, issued an 'unreserved apology', with headmaster Jonathan Anderson and Gareth Baird, chairman of the board of governors, describing Lady Smith's report as 'detailed, fair and, at times, a difficult read'. They added: 'It uncovers a history of unacceptable abuse suffered by many former pupils and highlights the enduring impact on their lives decades later. 'To all those who suffered abuse while in the care of Merchiston Castle School, we offer our most sincere and unreserved apology. No child should ever suffer harm, especially not in a place that exists to nurture and educate. Those who were abused by their teachers or their fellow pupils deserved better, and we are truly sorry that they were so badly let down.' The report said indecency occurred from the 1950s to the 2010s, however Lady Smith said that 'by the early 2000s, Merchiston thought itself a leader in the child protection field'. Abusers protected by 'tradition' Lady Smith said that 'references were badly handled and child protection concerns ignored', while voyeurism and indecent assaults were common. She added: 'Abusers, and potential abusers, were sometimes protected by tradition, long service, or governor loyalty.' The findings, part of the inquiry's overall boarding schools case study, found that 'in common with Loretto School, Morrison's Academy, Gordonstoun, and Queen Victoria School, children who boarded at Merchiston were exposed to risks of suffering sexual, physical and emotional abuse'. Lady Smith concluded the two main perpetrators at Merchiston were 'virtually untouchable'. Normalised abusive behaviour She said: 'From the 1950s to the second decade of the 21st century, there was a more or less continuous line of consistent indecency perpetrated by two prolific abusers, Mervyn Preston and James Rainy Brown. 'The former taught the latter, who then returned to Merchiston as a teacher, after which they worked together. 'They engaged in abusive behaviour which became normalised for generations of boys. 'In the cases of both those men, their longstanding service and positions of power in boarding houses rendered them virtually untouchable. 'In total, eight teachers abused children sexually. Seven were male and one was female. 'Conduct included voyeurism, encouraging nudity, indecent exposure, indecent assaults, and in the case of the female, it included encouraging senior pupils to engage in sexual intercourse with her.' 'Obvious abusive trends' She said the school's strong culture of rugby and sport left those who did not fit in vulnerable to abuse and bullying. She said by the millennium, the school was 'content to rely on positive but, in fact, inadequate and insufficiently critical' inspections, while 'obvious abusive trends' were missed – until 2014 when a wider police inquiry revealed many longstanding weaknesses in child protection and pastoral care. Following a poor inspection report in 2015, Merchiston was made subject to special measures by the Scottish government. It was obliged to respond, and Lady Smith said it was 'well led by its board of governors', and policies 'were corrected and became meaningful'. 'Deep and lasting harm' Mr Anderson and Mr Baird added: 'That sexual, physical and emotional abuse of children at our school was allowed to continue for so long is deeply upsetting and we respect and we thank our former pupils who had the courage and bravery to speak about their experiences in evidence to the inquiry. 'Their collective testimonies painted a picture of a school that fostered a culture of fear, bullying and abuse that is hard to fathom, and unrecognisable with the school that exists today. 'We fully accept these criticisms, we acknowledge these failures, and we recognise the deep and lasting harm that was caused. The school is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring the lessons of the past are fully learned. 'Safeguarding is our number one priority and the wellbeing of the young people in our care is of paramount importance to us. 'Following a negative inspection report in 2015, Merchiston was placed under special measures by the Scottish Government. This was a turning point and as Lady Smith recognises in her report, we responded promptly and decisively.'
