ALAN MORRIS SHOCKS ALTRINCHAM AND HALE WITH SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL AT GREATER MANCHESTER SCHOOL

In August 2014, a disturbing case of historic sexual abuse came to light involving Alan Morris, a former teacher and deacon, who was convicted of multiple heinous crimes committed at a well-known school in Greater Manchester. Morris, aged 64, was found guilty of 19 separate sexual assault charges spanning from 1972 to 1991, during his tenure at St Ambrose RC College located in Hale Barns, Altrincham. The school, at the time, was operated by the Roman Catholic religious order known as the Christian Brothers, which has since faced scrutiny over its handling of abuse allegations.

Throughout the proceedings, Morris, who resided on Rivington Road in Hale, maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The prosecution, led by Joanna White of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), painted a grim picture of Morris’s abuse of authority. White stated that Morris exploited his position within the school to prey on vulnerable young boys, continuing his misconduct even after the abolition of corporal punishment in schools.

According to White, Morris used the threat and application of physical discipline not merely as a means of maintaining order but as a tool to humiliate and sexually exploit his victims. She emphasized that Morris had cultivated a reputation as a ruthless disciplinarian, which effectively silenced many students from reporting his misconduct at the time. The abuse only surfaced years later, when an ex-pupil attending a child baptism ceremony involving Morris in 2012 decided to come forward with a complaint.

White explained that this complaint prompted other victims to find the courage to contact law enforcement, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that had remained hidden for decades. She described Morris as someone who had maintained a facade of respectability for many years, only to be exposed as a serial sexual offender. The revelation was particularly shocking given his role as a deacon at Holy Angels Church in Hale Barns, a position from which he was subsequently withdrawn by the Diocese of Shrewsbury. The Diocese expressed deep sadness and regret over the incidents, offering their thoughts and prayers to the victims and reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge of Greater Manchester Police commented on the case, highlighting Morris’s dual identity as a respected science teacher and a church deacon. Bridge stated that Morris’s reputation as a strict disciplinarian was a facade that masked his true intentions. He suggested that Morris took pleasure in punishing pupils, using corporal punishment as a cover for his sexual motives. The detective also revealed that Morris appeared to have relished his fearsome reputation, actively seeking out students to discipline and abuse.

Further investigations uncovered that Morris’s misconduct was not isolated. The police revealed that two other teachers at St Ambrose College, a Catholic grammar school for boys, had also been implicated in abuse allegations. Although both teachers had since passed away, police indicated that if they had been alive, they would likely have faced serious charges related to sexual offenses. The police also confirmed that other students had reported inappropriate use of corporal punishment by various teachers, many of whom are no longer living.

In total, ten former pupils claimed they had been sexually assaulted by a Christian Brother associated with the school, while four others reported abuse by a second teacher. The police emphasized that there may still be additional victims who have yet to come forward, urging anyone with information to do so. The current governing body of St Ambrose College expressed their sincere regret for any harm caused and assured the public that modern child safety policies are now firmly in place, acknowledging that these incidents occurred many years ago.

Morris’s criminal history includes an initial arrest in 2001 following a previous allegation. During that time, he was accused of grabbing a student’s arms from behind and making contact with his groin area while in class. Morris denied any wrongdoing, claiming to be a “benevolent autocrat” and suggesting that his accuser was an “excellent actor.” He also admitted to being homosexual but insisted his attractions were limited to older men, and that his vow of celibacy prevented him from pursuing such relationships.

His arrest in November 2012 was triggered by a new complaint, which led to further allegations of sexual misconduct. During police interviews, Morris described himself as a strict disciplinarian who believed in maintaining order through physical punishment. Evidence seized from his home included DVDs, CDs, and computer drives containing gay pornography, some depicting teacher-student discipline scenarios. Internet searches related to spanking and discipline were also found, though Morris claimed these interests were not personal.

In court, Morris faced a series of convictions. He was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of 19 counts of indecent assault and inciting a child to perform an act of gross indecency. During the trial, he was acquitted of similar charges involving two other boys, and the jury was unable to reach verdicts on eight additional allegations. The judge, Timothy Mort, condemned Morris’s long-standing evasion of justice, noting that his position of authority allowed him to instill fear and silence victims, many of whom believed they had done something wrong or were too intimidated to report the abuse.

Judge Mort also pointed out that Morris’s role as head of discipline at the school gave him a sense of impunity, enabling him to act above the law. The judge remarked on the loyalty of pupils to their school’s motto, “Dedicate your life to the truth,” which contrasted sharply with Morris’s actions. The victims’ testimonies, he said, were credible and truthful.

Legal representatives for some victims, including Molly Whittall from Slater & Gordon, expressed relief that justice had been served. Whittall noted that the verdicts highlighted the courage of the victims in coming forward and emphasized the ongoing need for the church and institutions to address institutionalized abuse. She indicated that civil actions are being pursued to seek further redress and hoped that the school would settle claims promptly to help victims move forward with their lives.