Author Mike Thompson, one of the best-selling authors of The Penguin Lessons, is being investigated by Dorset Police for alleged historical sexual assault.
Police Investigate Author Mike Thompson
With increased public awareness and stricter safeguarding measures, abuse in schools remains a serious concern, and individuals who suffered historic abuse have not yet reported their experiences.
This reluctance has been challenged by a current investigation targeting former teacher and author Mike Thompson (Tom Michell). Following a Channel 4 News investigation into his past at The Old Malthouse School in Dorset and Truro School in Cornwall, 11 men have alleged abuse.
Thompson has adamantly rejected these claims, dismissing them as “entirely unfounded and a fabrication.”
Channel 4 broadcast
The initial allegations, aired in a Channel 4 broadcast, came from three former pupils at The Old Malthouse, a now-closed boarding school in Dorset. The men claimed that they were sexually abused by Thompson in the early 1970s.
Since the broadcast, Channel 4 has reported that an additional three former students have come forward with similar allegations from the same period, bringing the total number of individuals to speak out to eleven.
Thompson initially taught at The Old Malthouse before his pivotal trip to Argentina in 1976, which inspired his 2015 memoir.
He returned to the UK by 1980 to teach chemistry and serve as a housemaster at Truro School in Cornwall, where he remained for over 25 years.
Specific Allegations
One accuser, “Richard,” claimed Thompson masturbated in front of him and alleged that his tea was spiked with drugs during an invitation onto a yacht.
Another, “Simon,” claimed he was sexually abused by Thompson in a science block when he was 11 or 12 years old.
A third accuser, “Graham,” claimed Thompson oversaw group masturbation on numerous occasions and asked for oral sex in the science block.
Graham’s allegations were first reported to police in 2017, but no charges were brought against Thompson at that time. Thompson has repeatedly referenced the 2017 investigation, stating that a version of Graham’s story was “dismissed by the police.”
Mike Thompson Statement and Denial
Mike Thompson, through his lawyer, continues to maintain his innocence:
‘I continue to maintain my innocence and categorically deny these dreadful, soul-destroying allegations. I have never behaved inappropriately towards any student.
These serious and historic allegations are unfounded and diametrically opposite to my conduct, character, or professional record.’
Mr Thompson’s previous school stated
Truro School has stated it was unaware of any specific allegations regarding Mike Thompson before the Channel 4 reporting.
The principal sent an email to alumni expressing shock and encouraging anyone with concerns to come forward. The school also asserted that when Thompson attended school events following his retirement two decades ago, he was never given unsupervised access to children.
A spokesperson for the school confirmed they are ready to engage with all relevant authorities, including the police, but have not been contacted by the police regarding an investigation since the 2017 report.
Penguin Random House Publisher Reacts to Allegations
Penguin Random House, the publisher of The Penguin Lessons, stated it was unaware of the allegations before the Channel 4 investigation, as the book was published in 2015, two years before any allegations were first reported to the police.
They stated they are “deeply shocked and surprised” and will be monitoring the situation closely.
The film’s production company and actor Steve Coogan, who is set to portray Thompson in the forthcoming film adaptation, have declined to comment on the allegations.
Thompson remains under police investigation as more men continue to come forward with their claims of abuse dating back to the 1970s and 80s.
Frequently asked questions:
The abuse happened many years ago, and I do not know if my old school even exists anymore.
Most claims for abuse in education are actually brought many years after the abuse occurred. It is part of our job to investigate the school and establish whether it still exists.
Sometimes educational establishments change their name, have a change of ownership, or move to a different address.
It may be that the school closed years ago and the building has been demolished, but this does not necessarily mean that you cannot claim.
Our solicitors are experienced in investigating historic abuse claims. We will undertake thorough enquiries to work out who the claim should be brought against and to obtain the information we need to pursue the case.
Who will I bring the claim against?
Usually, where you have suffered abuse in an educational setting, the claim will be brought against the organisation that owns or runs the school or college. Often this will be the local authority.
Some schools may be privately owned. Universities in England and Wales are not publicly owned, and the claim will normally be brought against the Trustees of the university.
How can I make a claim?
This area of the law is highly specialised, and it is important to have a solicitor who has experience pursuing claims for compensation for sexual and physical abuse and assault.
Whilst these claims are personal injury claims, aspects differ from general personal injury claims. Oakwood Solicitors has lawyers who, between them, have over 20 years of experience in recovering compensation for survivors of abuse.
You can contact us for a free, no-obligation chat. We will advise you whether you are eligible to make a claim and the level of damages. If you decide to pursue the claim, we will do all the work for you, keeping you informed at every stage.
Who can bring a claim?
If you suffered sexual or physical abuse in the UK, you may be able to pursue a claim. It does not matter if the abuse occurred years ago. If the person who suffered abuse is under 18, a parent or close relative can bring the claim.
Similarly, if the person who was abused is unable to speak to us due to old age or disability, a close family member can seek advice for them.
Will I have to face my abuser?
It is very unlikely that you will have to face your abuser, either in court or at any point in the claim.
Most claims are brought against the institution or organisation rather than the individual abuser themselves.
The organisation’s insurers or solicitors will handle the claim. It is unusual for the person who abused you to have to give evidence in a civil case.
How much compensation will I receive?
Each claim is different. We will assess your claim and give you an idea at the outset of the compensation you can expect to receive.
A civil claim for sexual or physical abuse can include the following types of compensation:
- General damages: An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering and any psychological effects.
- Special damages: An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the costs of any treatment or counselling.
- Aggravated damages: An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the manner in which the abuse occurred.
Can I get an apology?
This is something we are asked about often. No sum of money will take away the pain for what has happened, and for many people, bringing a claim is about closure or having some acknowledgement that what happened to them was wrong.
In many cases, we have been able to obtain a written acknowledgement and apology from the Defendant as part of any settlement.
Why choose Oakwood Solicitors?
At Oakwood Solicitors, we have dedicated lawyers with over 20 years of experience acting for survivors of sexual and physical abuse. We understand how difficult it can be to bring and claim, and are committed to dealing with your case in a sensitive way.
You will have a dedicated solicitor who will deal with your claim from start to finish and who will be able to speak to you at times convenient, even if this is outside our normal office hours.
Further information:
The Penguin Lessons author is being probed ‘over sex crimes against 11 victims at different schools’ | Daily Mail Online .
‘The Penguin Lessons’ author denies sexual abuse claims.
Exclusive: ‘The Penguin Lessons’ author accused of historic sexual abuse – Channel 4 News.
Penguin Lessons author investigated over historical sex abuse claims.
Abuse in Schools and Education.
Historic Abuse Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have suffered as a result of historic abuse in an intuitional setting or similar to addressed above, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
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