[A]N ex-pupil of Underley Hall School has told jurors his time there was “superb”, and described the former owner as a “big friendly giant”.
Four men are on trial at Carlisle Crown Court amid allegations that boys attending the Kirkby Lonsdale residential school were physically abused in the 1970s and 1980s.
Derrick Cooper denies six actual bodily harm assault charges and also two child cruelty allegations. These date back to a time when 77-year-old Cooper, now of Hillberry Green, Douglas, Isle of Man, was in joint and, latterly, sole charge at Underley Hall.
Three former staff members each deny one actual bodily harm assault allegation.
Today (MON), one ex-pupil was called to give evidence by Cooper’s barrister, Peter Wright QC.
Asked by Mr Wright to describe his Underley Hall experience, he told the jury: “Superb. I really didn’t have any complaint about the place. I just enjoyed my time there.”
He was asked whether he ever saw any form of violence by employees towards boys.
“No. the staff were great,” he replied. “The kids could be a bit of a handful but the staff were fantastic. I have got nothing but praise for them.”
Six-footer Cooper, he told the jury, was a “big friendly giant”.
“How did he behave towards you?” asked Mr Wright.
The former pupil replied: “Great. No problems. No problems at all.”
The trial, now in its sixth week, continues.
