Latest news with #LorettoSchool
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
School abuse victim wins six figure payout in a legal first for Scotland
He branded his time at Loretto School as 'eight years in hell' 'MONUMENTAL VICTORY' School abuse victim wins six figure payout in a legal first for Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE first victim to sue a top boarding school over his abuse hell has secured a six-figure payout. Angus Bell, 44, today called the out-of-court deal a 'monumental victory'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Private Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian Credit: Andrew Barr - The Sun Glasgow He'd claimed teachers turned a blind eye as kids were battered and sexually assaulted by other children at private Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian. A civil trial, believed to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, was set for next month with 12 former Loretto schoolkids and four ex-teachers lined up to provide testimonies. But last week, Mr Bell agreed to the six-figure out-of-court settlement with chiefs from the prestigious private school. He hailed the outcome as a 'monumental victory for children's welfare' after a 34-year fight for justice. Mr Bell said: 'What happened at Loretto was a disgrace. It was a madhouse of violence and psychological abuse, rampant with sexualised acts of depravity. 'Children were locked in trunks and launched down stairs, set on fire, beaten with cricket bats and hockey sticks, dragged from their beds at night and thrown into cold baths on their birthdays, stripped naked and strapped to trees, strangled, crushed under furniture, and subjected to hourly emotional abuse. 'The school knew abuse was happening and all too often chose to look the other way. And at no point has Loretto contacted me to apologise - not even after I gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. 'But finally, outsiders know what happened within those walls. Finally, the school has been held to account. 'The daily abuse I suffered at Loretto, from eight years of unchecked, harrowing peer-on-peer assaults, has been life-changing.' The landmark legal action against Loretto first emerged in November 2023. Epstein's ex-lawyer Dershowitz blames QUEEN for Andrew's sex abuse payout Mr Bell, who now lives in Canada, claimed that he was abused by older pupils while attending the independent school in the 1990s. He compared every day he was at Loretto to being 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man – it was eight years in hell.' Mr Bell added: 'I want to give special thanks to those who had the courage to support me. Particular praise must go to English teacher David Stock, whose career was terminated for confronting the Loretto authorities about the widespread culture of physical, sexual and psychological abuse in 1991. 'There is still much work to be done and I will continue to support fellow survivors as it is vital the truth continues to be heard so current and future generations of children are protected.' Partner at law firm Digby Brown, Richard Pitts, who led the legal action against Loretto School, said: 'The treatment depicted at Loretto was horrific – in my years as an abuse solicitor it's among some of the worst accounts of violence and depravity I've ever heard of. 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself - in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve too.' Loretto, established in 1827, offers boarding and day schooling for boys and girls aged three to 18 years old, with annual fees costing up to nearly £50,000. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry found ex-pupils experienced emotional, physical and sexual harm at the school. Pete Richardson, head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the Court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.'
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Telegraph
Top private school settles abuse case with former pupil
One of Scotland's top private schools has agreed a six-figure settlement with a man who has claimed he suffered physical and sexual abuse as a pupil in the 1990s. Angus Bell, 44, claimed students were 'set on fire, beaten with cricket bats and strangled' in a 'madhouse' of violence and psychological abuse at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian. A civil trial, thought to be the first to involve pupil-on-pupil abuse, was set to begin at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on June 12, but the school opted to settle out of court. Pete Richardson, the headteacher of the school, which charges annual fees of up to £16,500, confirmed the matter had been 'resolved' with Mr Bell, but said: 'What has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time.' He said 'the whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years' had been considered in detail by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which has been running for almost a decade. Mr Richardson added: ' We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' Mr Bell, who now lives in Canada, was thought to be the first person to sue the school over allegations of historical abuse when the action was brought in November 2023. He alleged teachers were aware of the violence and sexual abuse perpetrated by older pupils and not only failed to intervene but took steps to cover it up. Mr Bell spent eight years at the school from the age of 10. He said he was whipped with belt buckles, thrown down flights of stairs, locked in trunks and waterboarded in a dirty toilet. He also claimed he witnessed children being set on fire and having their 'genitals mutilated from gang beatings with boots'. He described every day as a 'cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. He called his time at the Loretto School 'eight years in hell'. Mr Bell, who gave evidence to the SCAI on his experiences, said no one from Loretto had apologised for the abuse he suffered. He said: 'The school knew abuse was happening and all too often chose to look the other way. 'The daily abuse I suffered at Loretto, from eight years of unchecked, harrowing peer-on-peer assaults, has been life-changing. 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post-traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and in the end, that little boy beat the system.' 'Worst accounts of violence' Mr Bell praised the work of David Stock, a former English teacher, who kept evidence of abuse at the school after leaving in 1991. He said dozens of fellow former pupils and staff had reached out to offer their support. Loretto previously acknowledged pupils were abused by a teacher in the 1950s and 60s. Richard Pitts, a partner at legal firm Digby Brown, who led the action, said: 'The treatment depicted at Loretto was horrific – in my years as an abuse solicitor it's among some of the worst accounts of violence and depravity I've ever heard of. 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve too.'
The Independent
06-05-2025
- The Independent
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
A man who claims he was abused at a private boarding school has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages. Angus Bell claimed he suffered in a 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian in the 1990s. A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse. Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, who led Mr Bell's legal action, said: 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve, too.'
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Scotsman
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
Former pupil claims he suffered in 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' during the 1990s Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A man who claims he was abused at a private boarding school has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages. Angus Bell claimed he suffered in a 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian in the 1990s. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian | TSPL However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Angus Bell has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages | Angus Bell/PA Wire Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
A man who claims he was abused at a private boarding school has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages. Angus Bell claimed he suffered in a 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian in the 1990s. A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. ADVERTISEMENT 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse. Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, who led Mr Bell's legal action, said: 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve, too.'
