A former private school pupil sexually abused by a paedophile teacher “will never forget” what happened to him. The man, who wants to be named only as ‘AP’, attended independent prep school Chinthurst School in Tadworth between the ages of four and 12 where he was abused by Robert Youngman.
Youngman pleaded guilty to all 11 counts of indecent assault in November 2021 against children as young as three, with the abuse also taking place when he was headteacher at HMS Indefatigable – a naval boarding school in Anglesey. Eight of those assaults were against AP and happened in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the school was a 13+ prep school. All of Youngman’s crimes took place between 1966 to 1983 on boys under the age of 16.
AP said: “What happened to me at Chinthurst has affected every aspect of my life. I will never forget the abuse I endured, and I remain very angry that the school did not do more to protect me. I had my hesitations about coming forward because of how much time had passed, but the police dealt with my complaint really professionally.
“It was a real relief to finally secure a conviction last year, and even though my abuser was in his 90s when the trial took place he was still given a custodial sentence.
“I now think it is really important that others who may have been affected by abuse, or who may have suffered at the hands of Youngman are made aware that he is now in prison and that justice has at last been done,” he added.
AP has now instructed Hywel Thomas from Simpson Millar Solicitors’ to pursue legal action against the school, which has since apologised. While he said any compensation would not change what happened to him, AP said it would hold others to account.
He added: “It is also my hope that by bringing legal action against Chinthurst other abuse survivors will see my story and that it will give them the courage to get the help they need.”
Charles Derham, Director of Remedy Law, applauds AP’s courage and bravery in coming forward to not only obtain justice himself, but to assist others.
If you would like to discuss your experiences further – please contact Charles Derham on 02393552153 or by email on charles@remedylaw.co.uk to discuss the viability of a civil claim for compensation