This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49925321
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police investigation into historical abuse claims | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Police have launched a fresh probe into claims a woman was sexually abused by her teacher at a South Ayrshire school. | Police have launched a fresh probe into claims a woman was sexually abused by her teacher at a South Ayrshire school. |
Maryanne Pugsley first spoke about the allegations - which date back to the 1970s - at Holyrood when she was calling for an inquiry into abuses at state schools. | Maryanne Pugsley first spoke about the allegations - which date back to the 1970s - at Holyrood when she was calling for an inquiry into abuses at state schools. |
A Police Scotland investigation into the claims was launched in 2016 but no-one was charged. | A Police Scotland investigation into the claims was launched in 2016 but no-one was charged. |
However, BBC Scotland understands the force is now pursuing new leads. | However, BBC Scotland understands the force is now pursuing new leads. |
Mrs Pugsley, 55, claims the man abused her over a number of years from the age of 12 and alleges they had a "meeting place" in the middle of the Ayrshire countryside, where their initials are carved into a tree. | Mrs Pugsley, 55, claims the man abused her over a number of years from the age of 12 and alleges they had a "meeting place" in the middle of the Ayrshire countryside, where their initials are carved into a tree. |
The mother-of-two made a complaint to South Ayrshire Council in the 1990s but said she was told at the time there was not enough evidence for the case to proceed to prosecutors. | The mother-of-two made a complaint to South Ayrshire Council in the 1990s but said she was told at the time there was not enough evidence for the case to proceed to prosecutors. |
Two years ago Mrs Pugsley, who works as a classroom assistant, asked the local authority for a copy of her complaint file but was told that they could not find any records. | Two years ago Mrs Pugsley, who works as a classroom assistant, asked the local authority for a copy of her complaint file but was told that they could not find any records. |
She has also now launched a civil legal action against South Ayrshire Council seeking compensation for her alleged abuse. | She has also now launched a civil legal action against South Ayrshire Council seeking compensation for her alleged abuse. |
The local authority has said its current safeguarding procedures for children are far more robust than in the past. | The local authority has said its current safeguarding procedures for children are far more robust than in the past. |
Praised for courage | |
Mrs Puglsey said: "I'm hoping that this investigation will finally lead to resolving my quest for justice. | Mrs Puglsey said: "I'm hoping that this investigation will finally lead to resolving my quest for justice. |
"Repeatedly revisiting the sexual abuse that I suffered as a child leaves me exhausted, both mentally and physically. | "Repeatedly revisiting the sexual abuse that I suffered as a child leaves me exhausted, both mentally and physically. |
"Many times I have been praised for the courage in putting forward the petition and complimented on how strong I am but what people don't see are the days when I have a complete meltdown and cannot function." | "Many times I have been praised for the courage in putting forward the petition and complimented on how strong I am but what people don't see are the days when I have a complete meltdown and cannot function." |
Mrs Puglsey said she would "not rest" until her case had been resolved. | Mrs Puglsey said she would "not rest" until her case had been resolved. |
Mrs Puglsey has lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for a public inquiry into the abuse of children within Scottish state schools, an issue not currently covered by the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. | Mrs Puglsey has lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament calling for a public inquiry into the abuse of children within Scottish state schools, an issue not currently covered by the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. |
The petition has the backing of Tory MSP Brian Whittle who has been supporting Mrs Puglsey in her case. | The petition has the backing of Tory MSP Brian Whittle who has been supporting Mrs Puglsey in her case. |
'Inquiries continuing' | 'Inquiries continuing' |
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "In 2016 a report of non-recent sexual abuse (1970s) of a female pupil by a male teacher at a school in South Ayrshire was received by Police Scotland. | A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "In 2016 a report of non-recent sexual abuse (1970s) of a female pupil by a male teacher at a school in South Ayrshire was received by Police Scotland. |
"An investigation was carried out at that time and no-one was charged. | "An investigation was carried out at that time and no-one was charged. |
"However, inquiries are still continuing." | "However, inquiries are still continuing." |
A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "The council is sympathetic to anyone suffering as a result of the unresolved injustice of historical child abuse. | A spokesman for South Ayrshire Council said: "The council is sympathetic to anyone suffering as a result of the unresolved injustice of historical child abuse. |
"We are also confident that there are far more robust procedures in place today which safeguard our children and young people." | "We are also confident that there are far more robust procedures in place today which safeguard our children and young people." |
Previous version
1
Next version