Glasgow City Council Faces Lawsuit Over Abuse at Former School

Strategic Insights -

Survivors of physical and emotional abuse at a school for vulnerable girls in Perthshire, Scotland, are preparing a civil lawsuit against Glasgow City Council. The lawsuit is a result of the conviction of Patricia Robertson, a former teacher who force-fed, humiliated, and assaulted girls at Fornethy School between 1969 and 1984. Robertson, 77, was granted bail and will be sentenced in December.

According to the victims, the abuse was routine and was perpetrated by multiple teachers at the school. One victim, Jackie, 69, was sent to the school between 1964 and 1968 and was physically abused by a teacher on her first visit. The school was part of a scheme to improve the health of children in Glasgow, and girls were often sent to the residential country house during the summer holidays.

The law firm Thompsons Solicitors, representing over 200 Fornethy survivors, will argue that Glasgow City Council is vicariously liable for the actions of the perpetrators as the successor local authority. Lawyers have already lodged some cases against the local authority, and the conviction of Robertson has cleared the way for more cases to be pursued.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 200 victims of physical and emotional abuse at Fornethy School are preparing a civil lawsuit against Glasgow City Council.
  • Patricia Robertson, a former teacher, was convicted of 18 charges of cruel and unnatural treatment of girls at the school between 1969 and 1984.
  • Robertson was granted bail and will be sentenced in December.
  • The abuse at Fornethy School was routine and was perpetrated by multiple teachers at the school.
  • The law firm Thompsons Solicitors will argue that Glasgow City Council is vicariously liable for the actions of the perpetrators as the successor local authority.
  • Lawyers have already lodged some cases against the local authority, and multiple cases are expected to be raised individually.
  • Claims are expected to raise allegations of physical and emotional abuse against multiple teachers at the school.

Statistics:

  • 200+ victims of physical and emotional abuse at Fornethy School are preparing a civil lawsuit against Glasgow City Council.
  • 18 charges of cruel and unnatural treatment of girls at Fornethy School were proven against Patricia Robertson.
  • Glasgow City Council's council leader issued a public apology to victims of Fornethy House last year.
  • A separate case relating to abuse at Fornethy is being prepared by lawyers Digby Brown.

Sources:

  • "Former teacher convicted of abusing girls at Fornethy School." BBC News.
  • "Abuse victims to sue Glasgow City Council over Fornethy School allegations." The Scotsman.
  • "Council apologises to Fornethy House abuse victims." Glasgow City Council.