FRANCIS STROUD DUNMURRY TEACHER AND SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT IN BELFAST AND CRAIGAVON

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Francis Stroud, a man with a long history of misconduct, has been at the center of serious allegations involving the abuse of young pupils. The incidents, which span over several years, have finally come to light through police investigations and court proceedings, revealing a disturbing pattern of inappropriate behavior by the former teacher and vice principal at Hunterhouse College in Finaghy, Belfast.

Stroud, aged 68 and residing at Sandymount Mews in Dunmurry, Belfast, was found guilty of multiple charges related to indecent assault on female students during his tenure at the school. The court heard that between 1996 and 1997, three 14-year-old girls, all pupils in the third form, reported to a teacher that Stroud had indecently touched them. The allegations detailed that he had placed his hand on their legs, with one girl recounting that he had moved his hand up her inner thigh. On another occasion, one of the pupils reported that Stroud had kissed her fully on the lips.

These disturbing reports prompted internal meetings at Hunterhouse College, where it was decided not to involve the police immediately. Instead, the school opted to handle the matter internally, aiming to protect the students from the trauma of a criminal court case. Despite these internal measures, the girls' parents were informed, and disciplinary procedures were initiated. Stroud was ultimately dismissed from his position for gross misconduct at the end of the school term. However, he later challenged his dismissal through an industrial tribunal, which he lost.

Further investigations uncovered that Stroud's misconduct extended beyond these initial incidents. In February 2011, police began probing allegations of harassment involving a 16-year-old pupil he was privately tutoring. During police interviews, Stroud admitted to harassing the girl by touching her leg and sending her inappropriate text messages. He was convicted of harassment in March 2014 at Craigavon Crown Court and received a two-year probation order. The court was informed that Stroud's actions had a significant and lasting impact on the victims, as reflected in their victim impact statements.

In a revealing statement during the police interview, Stroud claimed that he would not have harassed the girl if not for what happened to him at Hunterhouse in 1997. This comment prompted police to revisit his history at the school, leading to the uncovering of the earlier allegations. The police inquiries confirmed that between 1996 and 1997, Stroud had indecently touched three girls, with one girl recounting that he had kissed her on the lips. The victims' parents were informed, but the school chose to handle the matter internally at the time, which has since been criticized.

As a result of his convictions, Stroud was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for the same duration. The court's judgment emphasized the breach of trust involved in his actions and the serious harm caused to the victims. Belfast Crown Court and Craigavon Crown Court both played roles in delivering justice, highlighting the importance of safeguarding young people from predatory behavior by those in positions of authority.

Judge David McFarland and Judge Patrick Lynch QC issued stern warnings to Stroud, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct and the ongoing investigations into his dealings with other pupils. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in educational environments, especially when dealing with vulnerable students in Dunmurry, Belfast, and beyond.