Closing speeches delivered
An Island resident accused of eight counts of assault at a South Cumbria boarding school has been described in court as a ‘big friendly giant’.
Former pupils have praised Douglas man Derrick Cooper from his time as the owner of Underley Hall, saying they never witnessed any violence by employees towards boys.
Seventy-seven year-old Mr Cooper of Hillberry Green denies six charges alleging actual bodily harm assault and two child cruelty allegations which date back to the 1970s and 1980s.
The trial at Carlisle Crown Court is now in its sixth week and has begun hearing closing speeches in the case.
Mr Cooper and three other former colleagues deny the alleged physical abuse of boys at the school for ‘troubled’ youngsters.
After the conclusion of evidence yesterday, prosecutor Michael Hayton QC was the first of five barristers to deliver closing speeches to the jury.
Mr Hayton spoke of the lapse in time, and a ‘stark contrast’ in court evidence between ‘angry, middle-aged’ complainants, and ‘avuncular’ defendants.
He urged jurors: ‘Look at the evidence; what was said; how it was said; the general nature of it that runs throughout this case; and then decide whether you find each defendant guilty or not guilty of the charges on the indictment.’
The trial continues.
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