Date: 5 November 2021
The Gold Coast Bulletin
A former The Southport School student is seeking almost $2m in compensation alleging he was sexually assaulted by two teachers, sometimes when they were both present in a classroom.
Shine Lawyers has lodged a statement of claim in the Supreme Court in Brisbane against the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane on behalf of Robert Barber, 62.
It provides graphic details of the alleged sexual abuse during 1971 and 1972 at The Southport School.
In the statement, former TSS teachers Montgomery Campbell and Ron Morse are named as being responsible for sexual abuse.
SHOCKING CASES OF STUDENT-ON STUDENT ABUSE BELOW >>
TSS is yet to make a legal response to the claims. Both teachers are dead. The case for personal injury damages must be decided by the court sitting without a jury.
Before joining the school, Mr Barber was a top young rugby league player. A photograph of him playing in 1970 featured in the Bulletin’s sports pages.
Mr Barber alleged Mr Campbell, after a lesson in the classroom in 1971 when other students had left, accused him of throwing stones at windows and threatened to use the cane.
He also threatened to cane Mr Barber because his shirt was not tucked into his pants.
Mr Barber alleges Mr Campbell first assaulted him when tucking his shirt inside his trousers.
In his statement of claim, Mr Barber then recalled Mr Campbell requiring him to remain back in the classroom on four other occasions, and on the last, the teacher forced Mr Barber to perform oral sex on him.
During 1972 he alleged the indecent assaults occurred “approximately once per week” and towards the latter part of that year Mr Morse was in the room.
On one occasion both teachers were alleged to be involved in the sexual abuse in the classroom.
Shine Lawyers have argued the school at all times had a duty of reasonable care and to protect him from physical and psychological harm.
Mr Barber claims he later suffered from complex chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, a chronic major depressive disorder and polysubstance abuse and dependence disorder.
He had stopped his schooling towards of the end of Year 9 and “commenced using heroin and has also drunk to excess throughout his life and also used other illicit substances”.
His other health challenges included suffering from states of terror, being apprehensive about being assaulted and suffering from a loss of self-esteem and “feeling of a sense of guilt”.
Mr Barber had flashbacks related to the trauma, and continued to have disturbing dreams of his abuse as a child, he says in the claim.
The trauma had set the foundations for his drug dependence and “criminal activity and incarcerations”.
If the abuse had not occurred Mr Barber would most likely have completed his schooling, either proceeded to university or a trade and embarked on a positive career, the statement of claim said.
He was now in a rental property with his son as a carer, received a disability support pension and “will remain unemployable”.
Damages listed included $865,621 for economic loss and $138,375 for future treatment and include other categories like out of pocket expenses – totalling $1,991,634.
Shine Lawyers solicitor Callum Copland told the Bulletin: “Robert has waited decades for recognition and vindication. Shine Lawyers is committed to achieving justice, and we will continue to fight for Robert.”
In a statement, TSS said it was not appropriate to comment on specific complaints but it was “well known” that allegations of past abuse had been levelled at the school.
Every complaint of abuse was taken seriously and survivors of abuse would be supported, the school said.
The Southport School principal Andrew Hawkins is adamant about complaints being properly addressed. Picture: Jason O'Brien.
Headmaster Andrew Hawkins, a former student, was “adamant that historical complaints of abuse are addressed thoroughly” and former students should feel confident in reporting alleged abuses.
Mr Hawkins said TSS had taken significant steps to better protect children within its care and create a culture that did not tolerate abuse of any kind.
The school had detailed student protection policies, mandatory screening for employees and clergy, training in child safety and mandatory reporting of any inappropriate behaviour or suspicion of it.
The school said it was “committed to developing and maintaining a culture that is open and supportive and that protects our students”.
Reports of abuse could be made to the Diocesan Office of Professional Standards on 07 3835 2216 or dops@anglicanchurchsq.org.au. All complainants are being strongly urged to contact police.
Comments