Nun Accused of Assaulting Pupils Denies Using Corporal Punishment

Herald Scotland
May 10, 2013

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/crime-courts/nun-accused-of-assaulting-pupils-denies-using-corporal-punishment.21041765

A NUN who was headmistress at an approved school has denied assaulting any girls in her care.

Anne Kenny, 79, known as Sister Rosaria, taught and was the deputy head at Dalbeath approved school between January 1965 and July 1966 before taking on the role of headmistress.

She told Paisley Sheriff Court that was the last time she worked with young people and she resigned from the approved school system because there was due to be an administration change.

Kenny was asked about the approved school regulations the school abided by, in particular disciplining and punishment.

Defence QC Ronnie Clancy put to her that in certain circumstances corporal punishment was permitted and asked if she ever imposed it. She answered: "Never" and again added that it was "forbidden".

Kenny told the court that sometimes they would use detention as a method of punishment if someone was being "obstreperous" but that no physical intervention was used. When asked if there was any truth in the allegations made by the three women that claim she was violent towards them she said: "None, whatever."

He put to her the claim made by Catherine Logan that she was beaten with a carpet beater. Kenny said this was not true, adding: "We had no carpets to beat."

She denied hitting Mrs Logan with a riding crop and another woman, Kathleen Humphries with a carpet beater. Kenny also denied hitting Elizabeth Howell on the soles of her feet and grabbing her and pushing her about.

Kenny and co-defendant Agnes Reville deny charges of assault and the trial continues.