Former Edinburgh Academy teacher abused pupils over 27 years

A former teacher at a private school physically and sexually abused boys, a court has ruled.

John Young, who was employed as a PE teacher at Edinburgh Academy, was found to have targeted pupils between 1966 and 1993.

The 91-year-old was deemed medically unfit to be criminally tried or to appear in court.

A judge ruled that Young had repeatedly abused children, with 26 charges found to be established, includng eight counts of lewd and libinous practices, three counts of indecent assault and one count of cruel and unnatural treatment.

Evidence was heard from 24 former pupils – and a further three witnesses – during the hearing.    

Some of the victims detailed how the teacher would use violence to punish pupils for perceived bad behaviour, including punching them or hitting them with a cricket bat, megaphone or wooden wedge.

Many told how they continue to be traumatised and struggle to trust figures of authority because of the abuse they suffered.

Two victims, who wished to remain anonymous, welcomed the ruling via statements from the law firm Irwin Mitchell.

Letter of complaint to Edinburgh Academy, written by mother of a pupil in 1992 COPFS

The first survivor, who was subjected to physical blows during a sudden attack in a classroom, said: “Young was at the Academy for decades and taught PE to nearly every boy, so it would not surprise me if hundreds more were affected.

“I think the school had lots of opportunities to prevent his abuse. I complained, but I believe my complaint was taken to Young so the school could work to silence my complaint rather than address it.

“It’s a shame that I and other survivors have to settle for an examination of facts hearing and are denied the chance to get a conviction – I hope police and fiscals get the chance to act quickly against abusers in the future so the chance for others to secure justice is not lost.”

The second survivor added: “This outcome should send shivers down the spines of Edinburgh Academy bosses.

“For decades, survivors like myself have been accused of lying, exaggerating or misremembering, but now we have a black and white decision that finally acknowledges us.

“Although it’s not a full conviction, I think it’s still better than what the school ever did, as I felt its own investigations and processes fell massively short of basic safeguarding steps for children.

“One key takeaway for me was the process – I find it unfair that I had to endure brutal cross examinations while the person involved gets to sit at home like nothing’s happening.

“But ultimately, we secured the best possible outcome, so I’m now just going to go home, process it and move forward feeling a good deal lighter now the truth has had its day.”

Prosecutor Fiona Kirkby, of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) added: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service consistently and successfully strives to secure justice for those affected by non-recent abuse.

“John Young systematically abused young boys, over a period of 27 years, while holding a significant position of trust as their teacher at the Edinburgh Academy. 

“He had a duty of care to nurture and support these children but instead intentionally exploited his power to violate and humiliate them. 

“This Examination of Facts is a public airing of the facts and an acknowledgement that what happened to these children in the past was criminal. It should never have occurred.

“It is now a matter of public record that Young committed offences including lewd and libidinous behaviour, indecent assault and cruel and unnatural treatment.

“The court’s finding today also sends a clear message to abusers: no matter who you are, when the abuse happened or how long after the event it is reported, there will be a robust response from prosecutors.”

Procurator fiscal Kirkby added: “Sexual abuse and the use of force upon children is a crime. 

“To any victim of such offending, we urge you to report it when you feel ready and able to do so. Be assured you will be listened to and supported. We remain committed to investigating and pursuing those culpable to seek conclusions.”