Six former pupils of Formby High School are preparing to take legal action after making allegations of sexual abuse.
Andrew Grove and Co Solicitors of Cambridge say they represent six former pupils at the school who allege they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Ian Farquharson, who died in 1992 from carbon monoxide poisoning in his own car.
Andrew Grove and Co Solicitors say that Mr Farquharson died the day after a complaint was made to the school’s headmaster, and they will seek to establish what the school and council knew at the time of his death.
Sefton Council declined to comment on the allegations.
Mr Mackenzie, 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.”
The firm is now asking anyone who may have had a similar experience at Formby High School to come forward.
Solicitor Katherine Yates 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 that 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 that 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 int 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.”
David (name changed) was a pupil at Formby High School and was sexually abused by Mr Farquharson for two years until shortly before his 13th birthday.
“That man ruined my life,” he said. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about what happened.
“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 that something is finally going to be done to help all the victims try to recover from the trauma that 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.”
Solicitors with conduct are Katherine Yates and Charlotte Denley and both can be contacted for further information on 01223 367133 or by email at katherine@andrewgroveandco.com or charlotte@andrewgroveandco.com
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