Universities payout damages to students abused by professor
STUDENTS sexually abused by a disgraced professor have received five-figure settlements from two Scots universities.
Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt universities have given ‘significant’ compensation to at least two victims of Kevin O’Gorman, who was convicted of abusing seven male students between 2006 and 2014.
O’Gorman, convicted on 14 sexual abuse charges, preyed on students fearful of reporting him because of his seniority.
He was found guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in August 2019, given a community sentence and put on the sex offenders register for five years. Two victims were beaten, others endured sexual touching and most were pressured over social media to take part in punishment rituals.
Fraser Blevins, who was abused by O’Gorman at Strathclyde University, said it had been ‘an immensely challenging few years’.
He said: ‘If other victims hadn’t have come forward, I wouldn’t have had the courage to do so, so I am indebted to them for their bravery and noble pursuit of justice.’
A victim from Heriot-Watt University spoke anonymously, adding: ‘Whilst being supervised by Kevin O’Gorman was psychologically challenging, the months and years after have proved far harder. I had downplayed in my own mind the significance of the times I was sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and psychologically manipulated by O’Gorman whilst it had been occuris ring. Testifying in court against my own PhD Supervisor was both the most psychologically challenging, and one of the best things I had ever done. It took a huge toll on me, I am still working on my PhD. Every day a challenge to overcome trauma I am constantly reminded of.’
O’Gorman worked at Strathclyde for seven years before moving to Heriot-Watt in 2012 as a professor of management and later head of international in the school of social sciences. He was dismissed from there in 2017 following a complaint of sexual misconduct.
An independent report commissioned by Strathclyde University, carried out by Lord Sandison, QC, found the university knew of allegations but a senior staff member who was unaware gave him a reference, allowing him to receive a payoff during disciplinary action. Mr Blevins called the report ‘a sham’.
Strathclyde University said that ‘all of the enquiry’s recommendations were taken on in full by the University’.
Heriot-Watt said it has also fully implemented recommendations from an independent review carried out by Morag Ross, QC, commissioned by the university.
Kim Leslie, a partner at law firm Digby Brown, said: ‘Our clients have shown a bravery few could understand and I pay tribute to them, and others affected by O’Gorman, for what they have now achieved.’
‘Immensely challenging’