So what turned this ‘compassionate’ boy into mass murderer?
GUNMAN Jake Davison was praised as ‘compassionate’ and a ‘success story’ in a glowing school report.
His former teacher Jonathan Williams wrote that classmates had warmed to ‘his exceptional sense of humour, compassion, readiness to accept the rules and to help others’, and that he had ‘learned to ‘develop strong friendships’.
The report, obtained by The Mail on Sunday, contrasts starkly with the disturbing YouTube videos Davison recently posted in which he railed against women, claimed he had been ‘defeated by life’ and that he was ‘fat and ugly’.
Mr Williams, who taught autistic Davison for three years at Mount Tamar special school, wrote in 2013 that Jake had been ‘the success story of this year’.
He wrote: ‘At the beginning of the year, much of Jake’s attitude and behaviour were typical of children with his condition.
‘Something seems to have had a terrific effect on Jake, as over the year he has made exceptional progress, both on modifying his behaviour and putting in a much harder effort with his work.
‘His grades have increased considerably in literacy and other subjects.
‘The real change, however, has occurred in Jake’s social skills, where he has learned to develop strong friendships.
‘It is particularly pleasing to see Jake involve himself in Army Cadets, and the support he has received at home should ensure that this becomes a rewarding and valuable part of his training.
‘I’m really pleased with Jake this year, and look to him to set the example to other students next year.’
Last night, Mr Williams said: ‘I really thought Jake had a bright future ahead of him. I just can’t believe that the kind young man with such a bright future turned out like this. It’s an utter tragedy.’