FIFE MAN FACING OVER 100 CHARGES IN HISTORIC CHILD ABUSE COURT CASE
A group of six men are accused of historic abuse against boys at a Fife school.The six men face over 100 charges listed in a 17-page indictment.
William Smurthwaite, aged 43, is among those accused, but the article does not specify his individual actions or the specific charges against him.
The allegations span from 1979 to 1998 and involve incidents at Melville House School, near Cupar, which operated until 1998 as a facility for children with emotional, behavioral, and psychological difficulties.
The charges include physical violence, sexual abuse, cruel and unnatural treatment, and breach of the peace.
One specific charge claims Cowan punched and kicked a boy who was reportedly forced into a metal box and locked inside, and William Smurthwaite's specific role remains unmentioned.
The hearing took place at the Glasgow High Court, where attendance for all six accused was excused, and a further hearing is scheduled for the New Year.
Court records show most of the accused are now living at various locations within Fife, but Smurthwaite's current residence is not specified.
