Lincolnshire County Council under fire for delaying compensation to Stubton Hall abuse survivors

Lincolnshire County Council has been accused of delaying compensation payments to survivors of abuse at Stubton Hall School.

Andrew Grove and Co Solicitors, representing several claimants, has said that a prolonged legal process and consistently late payments are prolonging the suffering of survivors by failing to promptly settle damages.

In July 2021, the former Headmaster of the school, David Taylor, from Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln, was imprisoned for 19 years and six months after being convicted of sexually and physically abusing pupils at the boarding school. Raymond Longley was convicted of sexually abusing girls at the school and was imprisoned for four years.

More than 50 former pupils have now come forward with complaints about Stubton Hall School, which at the time was owned and managed by Lincolnshire County Council.

Following a protracted legal process, the council has initiated settlements with former pupils, with eight out of over 50 individuals agreeing to terms.

However, further grievances have arisen as delays in disbursing compensation persist.

Andrew Grove, speaking on behalf of the solicitors' firm, highlighted the distress caused by the council's tardiness.

“Out of the eight claims that have settled, only two claimants have received their damages within the 14-day limit mandated by court rules,” he said.

“This is unacceptable and displays contempt not just for court orders but for my clients who suffered a great deal of abuse while at Stubton Hall and feel that they are still being abused.”

Such delays, Mr Grove asserts, exhibit disregard not only for court orders but also for the trauma endured by the survivors.

One survivor, identified as Marie, expressed frustration and disillusionment with the council's actions.

Despite settling her claim, she awaits her compensation, feeling disregarded and questioning the council's commitment to fulfilling its obligations.

“I don’t understand why they are doing this to us. They have been late paying most of the other claimants too. I settled my claim for a lower amount than my solicitors advised because I wanted to put the abuse and memories behind me and move on.

“I thought it would take them about a week to pay my compensation, but it is now over two weeks and there is still no sign of my money arriving. It is very disappointing as apparently the council is in breach of a court order.

“I feel that I still don’t count for anything in the eyes of the council just as I did not count for anything when I was a child in their care.”

This isn’t the first time Lincolnshire County Council has come under fire for its actions with regard to the Stubton Hall case.

It was previously accused of using delaying tactics during legal proceedings.

It also tried to get survivors to pay £7,000 in costs after a court hearing had to be adjourned.

Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors continue to urge other survivors of abuse at Stubton Hall School to come forward, emphasising their commitment to seeking justice and closure for all affected individuals.

They can do so by telephone on 01223 367133 or 07810 224545 or by email at andrew@andrewgroveandco.com or katherine@andrewgroveandco.com

Stubton Hall School opened in 1952 as a boys’ school and became a school for both boys and girls in 1982

It catered for day pupils and boarders until it closed permanently in 2003.

The school was owned and managed by Lincolnshire County Council.

The current owners of Stubton Hall are in no way connected to this litigation.

Tara Jones, assistant director children’s safeguarding at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We continue to express deep regret over the abuse suffered by the victims in this case, and wish to apologise to them.

“We are aware of the agreements that have now been reached with some of the victims and are working to make payments as swiftly as possible.”