[A] FORMER South Cumbria boarding school pupil has told a jury he was “slapped” across the head and sent “flying” by the owner.
The latest of several allegations against Derrick Cooper – all of which he denies – was made at Carlisle Crown Court today (MON). It is alleged Cooper and several staff members were responsible for physical assaults on boys at Underley Hall School, near Kirkby Lonsdale, during the 1970s and 1980s.
Cooper, the 77-year-old former owner, is on trial having denied six assault charges and two child cruelty allegations. Three other men, including one from Kendal and another from Kirkby Lonsdale, each deny one assault allegation.
Another ex-pupil – the 12th witness called by the prosecution – told jurors he arrived at Underley Hall in 1984 when aged 11 or 12. “I wasn’t a badly behaved boy but I did get into mischief,” he conceded.
He described one incident allegedly involving Cooper. “I was messing about in the corridor. I think I was toy fighting,” he said. Cooper, he thought, came out of his living quarters.
“He slapped me across the head. The force of it sent me flying into the wall, and I hit the floor and bust my nose,” he said.
The witness denied a suggestion under cross-examination that he had given contradictory accounts about Cooper’s allegedly criminal conduct towards him.
However, he agreed he had told police he didn’t recall ever seeing any other students being assaulted by staff.
The trial, which is in its fourth week, continues.
