BishopAccountability.org

Barrister forced teenage boy to take part in 'cult' beatings

By Amy Southall
talkRADIO
February 6, 2017

http://talkradio.co.uk/news/barrister-forced-teenage-boy-take-part-cult-beatings-1702069894

Police are investigating John Smyth QC

A barrister accused of subjecting teenage boys to savage beatings is also said to have forced a victim to join in with an attack.

Police are investigating John Smyth QC after claims were made that he attacked 22 teenagers in his shed during the late 70s.

The charity Iwerne Trust, who ran Christian camps where Smyth met his victims, compiled a report which documents how he persuaded a boy to contribute to a beating. The boy is known as "S."

The report said: “There was considerable persuasion for anyone who held back. It has almost become a cult, with a powerful group dynamic.

“Immediately after the beating, the man lay on the bed, while [Smyth] and/or S would kneel and pray, linking arms with him and kissing him on the shoulder and back."

The impact on Smyth's victims came to light when one attempted suicide at the age of 21, saying he had been summoned to a "special beating."

Many victims have now come forward to Hampshire Police, reports claim. An investigation is now underway by the specialist child sexual exploitation unit.

When allegations were made against Smyth, he moved to Zimbabwe before going on to South Africa. He also faces abuse allegations relating to his time in Zimbabwe.

The pastor at the barrister's church in Cape Town has called for Smyth to return to the UK to answer his allegations.

 




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