Thorn Primary School Leeds

Guilty 

Norman Robinson, 76, an ex-teacher at Thorn Primary School has pleaded guilty to a catalogue of sexual offences against children.  Sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in May 2016 for the abuse he committed, he was jailed for a period of 15 years.  Robinson who taught at the school during the 1970s and 1980s, was found guilty of a serious sexual offence, 11 offences of gross indecency, five of indecent assault, taking indecent photographs of a child, three of making indecent photographs of a child and one of possession of indecent photographs of a child.

Child abuse

The offending took place between 1976 and 1989 but the abuse only came to light when one of his victims made a complaint to Police in 2014.  The court heard how allegations in the late 1970s were ignored when the parents of his first victim contacted the school’s headmistress but no action was taken against Robinson at the time after she claimed things had been “misinterpreted”.

Detective Chief Insp Mark Griffin of Leeds District Safeguarding, said: “This was a thorough and detailed investigation which shows that, despite the passage of time, we will do everything possible to achieve justice for victims. “A dangerous individual who has committed a number of serious allegations against children is now behind bars where he can consider the consequences of his actions. “Throughout this case the victims involved have displayed tremendous courage in coming forward and telling detectives what happened to them – despite the passage of time”.

Accountable 

We were representing three of the victims  in a civil action against Leeds City Council.  Speaking after the sentencing, one of the survivors said that although Robinson has been brought to justice in court they felt the Local Authority that employed him should also be held accountable.  Whilst another client said: “I have always felt guilty about the abuse I suffered but now realise the abuse was not my fault.  This should be acknowledged and I should receive an apology from the authorities that failed to protect me from him”.

If you have been affected in any way by abuse and you would like advice on any aspect, contact us