Because he was exposed on South African television, paedophile former teacher can no longer “hide in plain sight,” according to broadcaster Nicky Campbell.
According to The Times, the 82-year-old accused abuser lives in a Cape Town beachfront neighborhood that is encircled by electric gates and security personnel.
He has acknowledged fondling male students at Fettes College and Edinburgh Academy in the 1960s and 1970s, but he is opposing extradition to the UK because, in his words, doing so would be “too harsh a penalty.”
But the former instructor, who had gone by the alias “Edgar” up until this point, was recognized yesterday night on the investigative show Carte Blanche, which disclosed his identity, his likeness, and his residence.
In an interview with the newspaper, Mr. Campbell—who earlier this year described how the abuse he experienced as a young boy had a “deep impact” on his life—discussed the identity of his alleged abuser.
“His life is going to be quite unpleasant from now on.” It’s difficult for me to empathize.
At least he can’t hide in plain sight anymore.
“His friends, neighbors, and the rest of South Africa now know he is one of the most active child molesters in British criminal history and a guy who has ruined numerous lives,” the statement reads.
Numerous additional former pupils have come forward to accuse “Edgar” of abusing them back in the 1970s. The survivors claim that as a result of the abuse they endured, they have had to struggle with terrible memories, despair, and ill health.
The suspected paedophile, on the other hand, is reported to be spending the rest of his life in luxury, complete with a private pool, sports clubs, a members-only bar, and round-the-clock medical care.
Mr. Campbell contends that the abuser needs to be prosecuted in the UK.
“He is obviously fit enough to be extradited and questioned,” he added.
“That has to happen right now.”
He further asserts that considering how frequent and pervasive the abuse was among the students, the instructors at his school, Edinburgh Academy, must have been aware of it.
He was at one time taken away for mental care, so the instructors must have understood what was going on, Mr. Campbell said.
We’re talking about hundreds of boys if you extrapolate and do the arithmetic over the course of his 30-year career.
Police Scotland opened an inquiry earlier this month into the alleged abuse that occurred in the past.
Police Scotland released the following statement: “Anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that we will listen and we will investigate all reports, no matter when those offenses occurred or who committed them. While the investigation of child abuse, particularly non-recent offenses, can be complex and challenging.
“Please contact Police Scotland on 101 if you have experienced abuse or if you know anybody who may have been a victim of child abuse.”
The next hearing in “Edgar’s” extradition case is scheduled for next month.
In a written statement before the court, the former teacher claimed that after feeling “urges” to touch young boys at the school he taught at after graduating, he had traveled from South Africa to Edinburgh in 1967 to seek therapy.
He qualified as a teacher after three months as a mental inpatient, despite reports that his aggressive behavior persisted when he was living in Edinburgh.
Later, he went back to Cape Town and spent over three decades as a teacher at a boys’ school.