Sir, – I can go some way to understanding the reluctance of people to come forward with their allegations of being indecently assaulted by Jimmy Savile.
During the 1940s I attended a minor public school in the North-East of England. During my time there I was invited to tea in a master’s study and, reluctantly, I accepted, knowing in my mind what was likely to happen but too afraid to refuse.
Sure enough, the attempted indecent assault took place and I could not find an excuse quick enough to escape.
I did not dare to complain about him to any of the school staff or to my parents as I thought that no one would believe me and I would just end up with more problems.
The invitation to his study was extended to me several times more but I always managed to find an excuse to get out of it. I have lived with this all my life and it preys on my mind more now than it did in my younger days.
This master well deserved the nickname “Creepy” and I often wonder how many other pupils he tried to lure into his study and if he ever got his nefarious way with any of them?
This master will now be long dead and, like Savile, he would never have received the punishment he deserved.
Should this letter be published in your paper I would have no objections to any former pupils contacting me through the Darlington & Stockton Times regarding this master and his behaviour – he would be easily recognised by his nickname, without revealing the school.
DEREK BRADLEY Kings Lynn, Norfolk
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