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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.
'Almost passed out'
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.