KERELAW SCHOOL ABUSE: MATTHEW GEORGE AND JOHN MULDOON SENTENCED IN AYRSHIRE FOR DECADES OF VICTIMIZATION

In January 2023, a significant and disturbing chapter in the history of Kerelaw School in Ayrshire reached a somber conclusion as two men, Matthew George and John Muldoon, were formally sentenced for their roles in the abuse of numerous vulnerable teenagers over a span of nearly three decades. The court proceedings, held at the High Court in Dundee, brought to light the extent of the heinous acts committed within the walls of the now-closed residential institution, which was once managed by Glasgow City Council after restructuring in the 1990s.

Matthew George, aged 73, a former art teacher at Kerelaw, was convicted of a total of 39 criminal charges. These included a combination of sexual and physical abuse inflicted upon 22 children during his tenure from 1975 to 2000. His crimes ranged from indecent assaults and sexual acts to physical violence, with allegations involving threats, punches, kicks, and the use of objects such as golf balls and mop handles to harm the pupils. The court heard that George's abuse was not limited to the classroom but extended to his home and other locations, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over a quarter of a century.

Lady Drummond, presiding over the case, delivered a stern and condemning statement, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims and the betrayal of trust by George. She stated, “These young people at Kerelaw were some of the most vulnerable in society and were there to be looked after. You took advantage of your role to groom and manipulate them. They were too frightened of you to speak out.” The judge highlighted the profound and lifelong trauma inflicted upon the victims, noting that their childhoods had been destroyed and their adult lives severely impacted. Despite the gravity of his crimes, George remained unrepentant and showed no remorse, according to the court.

Similarly, John Muldoon, aged 69 and from Irvine, was convicted of 16 charges involving physical and sexual abuse against 10 pupils. His offenses spanned from the age of 32 to 51, with acts including punching, kicking, twisting arms, forcing pupils to strip, and sexual assaults such as oral penetration and indecent touching. The court detailed that Muldoon’s abuse was both physical and sexual, with some victims subjected to repeated rape over extended periods. His misconduct was committed within the residential units of Kerelaw, where he exploited his authoritative position to victimize the children entrusted to his care.

During the sentencing, Lady Drummond emphasized the betrayal of trust and the devastating impact of Muldoon’s actions. She pointed out that his offenses, like George’s, had long-lasting effects on the victims’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Muldoon’s previous conviction in 2006 for similar offenses against other pupils was also considered, and he was sentenced to an additional 12 years in prison, with the sentence backdated to December 2, 2022, when he was first remanded.

The court heard harrowing testimonies from victims, some of whom recounted being raped, assaulted, and subjected to physical violence, including being forced to strip and being burned with cigarettes. The testimonies also revealed the use of violence and intimidation, with children being put down holes and attacked with various objects. Victims described how the abuse left indelible scars, affecting their ability to trust, form relationships, and lead normal lives.

Supporters of Matthew George, who was first imprisoned in 2006, attempted to portray him as a victim of miscarriage of justice, citing his support from a local Largs newspaper and claims that he was unfairly targeted by drug addicts and criminals. However, the court dismissed these claims, affirming that the evidence presented by the victims was compelling and supported by multiple juries. Several victims, some of whom had struggled with addiction and had contact with the justice system, did not live to see the trial’s conclusion, including a woman whose abuse was confirmed posthumously.

Kerelaw School, which was once a place of care and education, is now demolished, but its legacy endures through the suffering of those who endured its darkest days. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse, regardless of the passage of time, and highlights the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal by those entrusted with the care of society’s most vulnerable members.