St Paul's Cathedral School - Child-abuse Controversy

Child-abuse Controversy

In December 2007 Stephen Douglas-Hogg, a former Classics and house master of the school, was arrested and charged with the abuse of a number of choristers during the 1980s. Following his attempted suicide during the initial stages of proceedings in October 2008, the 50-year-old Douglas-Hogg changed his plea halfway through the trial and admitted to 13 counts of indecent assault on five boys aged under 14. On 11 May 2009 Douglas-Hogg was sentenced to 4 and a half years imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court.

Det Supt Jeff Davies, who led the City of London Police team investigating the offences, said: “This was a difficult and sensitive investigation for the officers involved. I hope the conclusion of the case will go some way to helping those who have suffered as a result of the abuse they endured more than 20 years ago.”

Judge Michael Gledhill QC labelled Douglas-Hogg a "paedophile" who used his authority to strike fear into his victims, who were too afraid to report what happened. He said Douglas-Hogg showed no remorse and added: "You should be a broken man; regrettably, I have serious doubts as to whether or not you actually are."