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Marcus Marcussen victims take legal action against council | Marcus Marcussen victims take legal action against council |
(about 14 hours later) | |
More victims of a teacher convicted of physically and sexually assaulting them have come forward and are suing Birmingham City Council. | More victims of a teacher convicted of physically and sexually assaulting them have come forward and are suing Birmingham City Council. |
Marcus Marcussen, 91, was jailed in February for nine years for abusing boys at the council-run Ilmington Road Comprehensive School in Weoley Castle between 1957 and 1978. | Marcus Marcussen, 91, was jailed in February for nine years for abusing boys at the council-run Ilmington Road Comprehensive School in Weoley Castle between 1957 and 1978. |
The judge described the offences as "tinged with sadism". | The judge described the offences as "tinged with sadism". |
In June, six victims had started legal action. Now the number has risen to 21. | In June, six victims had started legal action. Now the number has risen to 21. |
One of them, Mark Thomas, who has waived his right to anonymity, said the abuse led to him suffering from depression and anxiety. | One of them, Mark Thomas, who has waived his right to anonymity, said the abuse led to him suffering from depression and anxiety. |
Marcussen abused pupils during and after PE lessons and at a swimming club called the Square Club in Weoley Castle. | Marcussen abused pupils during and after PE lessons and at a swimming club called the Square Club in Weoley Castle. |
Mr Thomas, now in his 50s, said he is talking publicly about his experiences in order to help young people currently being abused. | Mr Thomas, now in his 50s, said he is talking publicly about his experiences in order to help young people currently being abused. |
He said he watched television footage of Marcussen, from Rochford, near Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire, walking to court. | He said he watched television footage of Marcussen, from Rochford, near Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire, walking to court. |
"It was very difficult to look at him at first to be honest because so much just came back through my mind. | "It was very difficult to look at him at first to be honest because so much just came back through my mind. |
"I saw him and I almost passed out. It's still very hard for me," he said. | "I saw him and I almost passed out. It's still very hard for me," he said. |
Lawyers representing Mr Thomas and 20 other claimants are taking action against Birmingham City Council as the authority responsible for the school where the offences took place. | Lawyers representing Mr Thomas and 20 other claimants are taking action against Birmingham City Council as the authority responsible for the school where the offences took place. |
Birmingham City Council said it has received claims regarding the case and is investigating. | Birmingham City Council said it has received claims regarding the case and is investigating. |
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