Teacher abused pupils during gym classes at private school over 27 years

Statement... Victims, including, right, Nicky Campbell, speak out

- By Richard Elias

A PHYSICAL education teacher at a top private school abused more than a dozen pupils over nearly three decades, a court has ruled.

Yesterday, a sheriff decided it was beyond reasonable doubt that John Young carried out attacks while on the staff of Edinburgh Academy.

The former international rugby referee indecently assaulted three and assaulted others by punching and slapping and beating, using a cricket bat and a megaphone.

One victim, who had a spinal injury, was forced by Young to participate in a class where he had to pick up heavy weights.

Doctors had previously ruled that the 91-year-old was not fit to stand trial. Therefore, an Examination of the Facts was held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in his absence.

Guilty

Young, from Edinburgh, had denied all the allegations against him but the court ruled that he was guilty of 26 of the 54 charges.

They related to children aged between seven and 18.

Prosecutor Joanna Waller told the court that Young had committed “a serious abuse of trust” adding that he had “deliberately targeted pupils to cause emotional and physical pain.”

She added: “These are not acts of legitimate discipline and are assault.