Former Catholic School Headmaster Quits Oxford after Abuse Claims

Telegraph
August 15, 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10243870/Former-Catholic-school-headmaster-quits-Oxford-after-abuse-claims.html

Fort Augustus Abbey in the Highlands Photo: Alamy

Father Francis Davidson is quitting his post as monastic superior of St Benet's Hall after being accused of covering up child sex abuse during his time at Fort Augustus Abbey School in the Scottish Highlands.

He was responsible for the welfare of student monks at the Oxford College.

His resignation comes after a BBC investigation found evidence of physical and sexual abuse at the boarding school and its preparatory school in East Lothian.

Alleged victims who attended the school claimed that they were molested and beaten by monks at the Benedictine abbey over a period of three decades from the 1950s.

Some abuse claims relate to men who are still alive and Police Scotland has confirmed it is investigating the allegations.

The documentary also contained allegations that the abbey was used as a "dumping ground" for problem clergy who had confessed to abusing children.

More alleged victims have come forward since the documentary was screened last month, and the BBC say they have now spoken to 50 people who say that they were abused.

In total 10 monks are now accused of physical abuse, four monks and one lay teacher of sexual abuse including rape and the three headmasters are accused of cover-ups, it is reported.

One former pupils says he told Fr Davidson personally of the abuse. Fr Davidson is the only surviving headmaster of the school.

In a statement he offered his sympathies to any victims of historic abuse and said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear of the allegations, adding: “I do not recall them being reported to me during my time as headmaster of Fort Augustus Abbey School…

"As investigations into matters at Fort Augustus Abbey School and Carlekemp Priory School are ongoing, I have stepped aside from my role as religious superior at St. Benet's Hall."

The NSPCC is calling for a full independent inquiry into abuse at the school.