Ex-Fettes teacher accused of abuse may be held in one of world’s worst jails
A FORMER Fettes teacher accused of child abuse by broadcaster Nicky Campbell could be held in one of the world’s toughest jails as he fights extradition.
The 82-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been accused of a string of attacks on schoolboys.
A court in Cape Town had granted him bail to continue life in his retirement village while he fought against being sent to face trial in Scotland.
Prosecutors in South Africa have requested he be jailed before judges reach a verdict on whether to extradite him.
The man, given the pseudonym ‘Edgar’ by his accusers, has claimed being sent to the UK to face charges dating back 40 years would be ‘too severe a punishment’ at his age. South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it is seeking to have his bail revoked by a judge, which would see him jailed. The NPA believes the magistrate who first heard the case had made an error in allowing the accused bail. Spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said: ‘We are awaiting instructions from the Minister of Justice on a constitutional point. That point is that the Extradition Act says that the court “shall issue an order committing such a person to prison to await the minister’s decision”. Yet the defendant was allowed out on bail and the NPA believe the magistrate should have kept him in custody pending the minister’s final decision. This constitutional point has to be resolved by the court.’
If the Minister of Justice rules with the NPA then the exteacher would be transferred to the maximum-security Pollsmoor, the toughest jail in South Africa, which has around 7,500 inmates. Actor Ross Kemp, who visited Pollsmoor to film a documentary, said it was the ‘most evil and scariest’ prison he had ever filmed in.
Earlier this year, Radio 5 live host Campbell, 61, broke down in tears as he told of witnessing abuse by the teacher at Edinburgh Academy.
Former pupils from Fettes College and Edinburgh Academy have come forward to say they were targeted by the man.
Mr Campbell has said dozens of former students claimed ‘Edgar’ abused them.
‘Edgar’ is facing six charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour and one of indecent assault of boys in Edinburgh between 1969 and 1976.
He will return to the Western Cape High Court on March 17.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has said the case is ongoing.
‘Should have been kept in custody’