Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Abuse inquiry at second school linked to Cyril Smith


Detectives have launched an investigation into alleged child abuse at a school set up by a friend of the late paedophile MP Cyril Smith.

Former pupils at Underley Hall, a boarding school opened by John Turner in Cumbria in 1976, claim that boys were physically assaulted by staff and sexually abused by a fellow pupil.

Mr Turner, a former headmaster at the notorious Knowl View School in Rochdale where Smith targeted vulnerable young boys, is accused of beating a pupil who complained about being indecently touched by the politician.

On at least one occasion Smith visited Underley Hall – a private boarding school for 'troubled' boys – as Mr Turner's guest, according to a former pupil.

There is even a suggestion that the disgraced MP had opened the school.

Outdoor pursuits teacher John Wadlow was charged in 1997 with sexual offences against children at Underley Hall but killed himself while awaiting trial.

But former pupils have told the Daily Mail they made much broader complaints of abuse to police at the time – including violent beatings by staff – only to find them brushed under the carpet.  (more...)


Standard operating procedure?

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