Watchdog opens inquiry into Ampleforth sex abuse

By Andrew Norfolk
Times
December 14, 2016

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/watchdog-opens-inquiry-into-ampleforth-sex-abuse-dnhfl9q00

Ampleforth is being investigated by the Charity Commission over its handling of sex abuse allegations

Britain’s leading Roman Catholic school is to be investigated by the charities watchdog over its handling of sex-abuse allegations, it was announced yesterday.

The Charity Commission’s inquiry into Ampleforth Abbey and its educational trust, which runs Ampleforth College, was launched after The Times revealed the school’s past cover-up of a potential scandal when 11 boys alleged inappropriate conduct by a teacher.

Pupils told Ampleforth’s headmaster in 1989 of having been stroked, touched and kissed by Paul Sheppard. The Canadian was asked to leave but police were not informed and he was given job references praising the quality of his “exceptional dedication” and “care for the children”.

Dr Sheppard, now aged 53, subsequently taught at schools in seven countries across four continents.