‘Not a day goes by when I don’t think of abuse’
AGROUP of former students have spoken out over reported sexual abuse by a high school teacher.
David (not his real name) was a pupil at Formby High School and claims he was sexually abused by Ian Farquharson for two years in the 1990s until shortly before his 13th birthday.
Mr Farquharson, who was head of the lower school at the time, allegedly sexually abused a number of young boys in the 1980s and early 1990s, when they were just 11 and 12 years old, before he was believed to have taken his own life in May 1992.
A complaint about his alleged sexual abuse was made to the headmaster at the time and Mr Farquharson left the school, driving to North Wales, where he was found dead in his car the next day. The accusers, now in their 40s, are claiming compensation from Sefton Council for the abuse they endured between 1975 and 1992.
David spoke of how “not a day goes by” when he doesn’t think about what happened and said “that man ruined my life”. He continued: “Every time something comes on the news about child abuse it triggers an anxiety attack. I can never get him out of my head. It is like re-running an old film.
“I am relieved something is finally going to be done to help all the victims try to recover from the trauma Mr Farquharson’s abuse caused us. I was an innocent 11-year-old when I was summoned into his office for extra help with writing. I had no idea on that day of the horrors I was going to suffer for the following two years.”
Solicitor Katherine Yates, of Andrew Grove and Co Solicitors in Cambridge, is currently acting for six former Formby High School students but is urging anyone else who may
Formby High: claims of sex abuse by a teacher who took his own life are now the subject of action by six former students who were there in the 1990s; the present head teacher says robust policies and procedures are in place, with safeguarding of paramount importance
have been affected to come forward.
She said: “Mr Farquharson used to see pupils in his office to give them extra help with reading and writing. He used these sessions as an opportunity to sexually abuse young boys.
“Many of those targeted by Mr Farquharson feel their lives have been ruined by the abuse they suffered at his hands. It appears that no counselling or support was offered at the time the abuse came to light and investigations are now taking place to ascertain what was known by the school and the local authority at the time of Mr Farquharson’s death.
“I cannot help but think the severe psychological and psychiatric damage suffered by my clients could have
been lessened if appropriate support had been provided when the abuse was first discovered.
“It appears that rather than offering counselling and support to the child victims, a memorial plaque was placed in the school grounds which was unveiled with much ceremony and caused considerable further upset to the children concerned.
“School staff referred to Mr Farquharson’s death as being tragic whereas the suffering he caused among the children he abused was the real tragedy in this sad case. I believe it is important if anyone was abused at Formby High School, they make themselves known to my firm.
“We are listening and we want to
help. It does not matter if you have not previously made a complaint. There are many reasons why people feel anxious about coming forward, but we would encourage anyone who suffered at Mr Farquharson’s hands to get in touch.
“All claims are being funded on a no win, no fee basis so financial concerns should not prevent anyone from making contact and bringing a claim.”
When approached for comment, Dominic Mackenzie, current headteacher of Formby High School, said: “These allegations of historic sexual abuse are appalling and our thoughts are very much with the victims.
“It is difficult to offer further comment
on these events from the late 1980s and early 1990s, simply because no-one who was at the school then is here now, more than 30 years later.
“In today’s Formby High School I can categorically state that safeguarding our students is of paramount importance. We have extremely robust policies and procedures in place designed to keep all of our students safe from harm.”
Sefton Council declined to comment when approached.
Solicitors Katherine Yates and Charlotte Denley can be contacted for further information on 01223 367133 or by email at katherine@andrewgroveandco.com or charlotte@ andrewgroveandco.com