More than 40 former pupils of a Merseyside high school now claim they were sexually abused by their teacher.
The ECHO has previously reported on the lawsuit, which now has seen more than 40 former pupils of Formby High School come forward claiming they suffered horrific abuse at the hands of Ian Farquharson. Farquharson was the head of the lower school and took his own life in 1992 after a complaint was made by the mother of a child.
The ECHO reported that Farquharson had been charged with inciting young boys to commit acts of gross indecency in 1980. According to reports in the ECHO, in February 1980, Farquharson plied his pupils with lemonade after school hours and encouraged them to commit sex acts while he spied on them through a keyhole.
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However, he was cleared of that charge at Crosby Magistrates' Court, after claiming the boys had "tried to get him into trouble" after he had to "discipline" them in the past. He was allowed to carry on teaching after the case was dismissed, telling reporters he was glad his "ordeal" was over.
Farquharson received a complaint from a mum of a child in 1992. That very same day Farquharson got into his car, drove to an isolated spot near Mold in North Wales, and killed himself.
According to an ECHO report from his inquest in July of that year, Farquharson had returned from school to his home in Ashdale Close, Formby, looking agitated according to a neighbour, before driving away. The court heard he had been summoned to the head teacher's study and an investigation into his conduct had been launched by education chiefs.
Initially, six survivors came forward in March last year after they saw a video on Facebook by child abuse survivor and well-known UK bodybuilder Aarron Lambo. That number has since increased to 41.
Andrew Grove and Co claim to have followed a number of leads, including the person who discovered Mr Farquharson dead in Mold, North Wales. Andrew Grove and Company solicitor Katherine Yates believes that there are more victims and witnesses out there.
She said: "From our investigations, I have discovered that Mr Farquharson was abusing pupils at Formby High School for over 15 years. I know that there are more witnesses out there and would urge anyone with any relevant information, no matter how insignificant they think it might be, to contact us.
“It is also not too late for anyone to join the civil lawsuit. We are here to get justice for those who were assaulted by Mr Farquharson. All claims are being funded on a no-win, no-fee basis so there’s no cost involved.”
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.
Sefton Council declined to comment.
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