TIMES INVESTIGATION

Suicide shattered Ampleforth’s silence over sex abuse claims

Ampleforth, where James Glynn was a pupil. He committed suicide at the age of 35, claiming that he had been abused at the school
Ampleforth, where James Glynn was a pupil. He committed suicide at the age of 35, claiming that he had been abused at the school
ALAMY

A sun-soaked day in late June was drawing to a close. As shadows lengthened across the valley that has been the school’s privileged home for more than 200 years, a group of young boys waited nervously outside the headmaster’s study.

One by one, each was summoned. For Paul Sheppard’s career at Ampleforth College, what they had to say proved terminal.

Their science teacher’s alleged penchant for touching them was an open secret among the children, aged 10 to 13, of Junior House. Some eventually found the courage to complain to another member of staff, who immediately informed the headmaster, Father Dominic Milroy.

Paul Sheppard, was let go by Father Dominic Milroy, the headmaster, but was cleared of one sex offence charge
Paul Sheppard, was let go by Father Dominic Milroy, the headmaster, but was cleared of one sex offence charge

Eleven boys were taken to see the head. They described incidents — in the dormitory, the science laboratory, the infirmary and on a