New allegations as Celtic pay £1m abuse settlement

NINE new allegations of sex abuse against Celtic Boys Club have been announced, on the same day a “class action” litigation by 24 victims was concluded with a £1million-plus settlement agreed.

- By James Mulholland

In total, 28 ex-players brought the “US-style” compensation claim at the Court of Session.

All but four have now been settled and the talks are continuing over three of those remaining.

However, it has now emerged there are nine other “historical sex abuse” cases active against Celtic PLC.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that a seven-figure payout had been agreed between Celtic and the Boys Club players.

Laura Connor, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors, acting for the victims, said: “In addition to those three ongoing cases from the group, we have nine other cases against Celtic PLC relating to historical child abuse.

“Those cases relate to abuse perpetrated by Jim Torbett, Frank Cairney and Jim McCafferty. Those cases are all at differing stages and we expect them all to also settle.”

“The group action against Celtic PLC was the first personal injury action in Scotland to be litigated and settled using the group proceedings rules in the Court of Session.

“These ensured that each survivor retained their individual right to compensation for their own injuries and losses while allowing common issues of liability to considered.”

Impact

Ms Connor continued: “Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard. This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.

“At long last, they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club.”

The settlement announcement was made at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.