The trial of David Lowe, former housemaster at WCCS and music teacher at Ampleforth School concluded today, following guilty verdicts on all 15 counts of indecent assault of a boy under 14, all of which Lowe had denied. The court heard evidence from 10 complainants, all of whom independently recounted similar instances of sexual assaults by David Lowe while they were pupils, between 1978 and 1984. The jury heard David Lowe being a described as a friendly and popular teacher, but that there was a 'sinister' aspect, in the form of a propensity for young boys in his charge, some of whom were identified as his 'special' boys. Now adults, complainants told the jury how David Lowe had opportunistically fondled their genitals, during one to one music lessons, during patrols of the school dormitory, and in his house master's room whilst administering corporal punishment on their bare bottoms. He regularly masturbated one complainant to ejaculation after lights were out in the WCCS dormitory.
David Lowe is to be sentenced on 5th February, and the judge warned him that he will face a prison sentence. The judge, Martin Beddoe, said the victims had the chance to come and see Lowe jailed if they wished, noting that "for some of those who have had troubled lives since, it might provide some closure and assistance".
Victims in court were challenged on their reasons for coming forward to the police, it being alleged to one complainant (for whom this firm acts), that he is 'simply doing it for the money', which he strongly rebutted, firmly stating that should his civil claim succeed, he would give all his money to the NSPCC. He told the court how he looked to both the criminal and the civil justice route for accountability and redress for what had happened to him, which has had lifelong effects.
For more news see Daily Mail article or The Telegraph article
Should this story have affected you in some way please feel free to ring Tracey Emmott on 01234 360140 and she will be pleased to speak with you on an entirely confidential and no-obligation basis.
