Teacher abused boys at Nicky Campbell’s school

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Nicky Campbell gave evidence at the hearing

A sheriff has ruled that a former teacher at a private school did abuse boys as young as eight years old.

Former pupils of John Brownlee, now 89, described him as a “psychopath” and “a sadist” from their time at Edinburgh Academy.

He abused the boys, including BBC presenter Nicky Campbell, over a 20-year period starting in the 1960s.

Brownlee was medically unfit to stand trial and the case was heard in front of a sheriff.

Outside the court, Graeme Sneddon from the Edinburgh Academy Survivors Group read a statement describing Brownlee as a “violent monster” and said he had caused “a lifetime of damage to everyone concerned”.

Mr Campbell, 62, who was a student at the fee-paying school between 1966 and 1978, said Brownlee was a relentless, cruel and violent man.

Brownlee was deemed unfit to stand trial last November.

An examination of the facts hearing has now concluded. It was held without a jury and gave the Crown and defence the opportunity to present evidence before a sheriff who is then asked to determine whether or not the person accused carried out the actions.

However, Brownlee will not face any punishment.

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