David Greenwood, Head of the Child Abuse team at Switalskis, has represented more than 100 men who suffered abuse at St William’s Community Home in Market Weighton. His new book, Character Assassination, documents the long-running legal efforts to secure justice for those affected.

Boys subjected to serious physical and sexual abuse

Between 1965 and 1990, St William’s was run by the Catholic Church and operated as an approved school for boys in care from across Yorkshire and the North East. While the school was seen by local authorities as a positive setting, many boys placed there were subjected to serious physical and sexual abuse.

Over the years, multiple criminal prosecutions have resulted in convictions against members of staff, including the school’s former principal, James Carragher, and chaplain, Father Anthony McCallen. Carragher was first convicted in 1993, with further convictions in 2004 and again in 2015. McCallen was also convicted in 2015. A third man, Albert Marvin, was convicted in 2014 of offences including abuse carried out at St William’s.

The challenges survivors face

The book’s title, Character Assassination , references a comment made by His Honour Judge Lawler QC, who criticised the approach taken by Carragher’s defence team during trial. The book explores the challenges faced by survivors in both criminal and civil proceedings, and highlights the complex legal and institutional barriers that have delayed redress.

David Greenwood began acting for survivors of St William’s in 2004. Over the last 14 years, 5 members of our team have worked hard representing over 190 claimants in the group action.

“What should have been a clear path to accountability has been anything but,” David explains. “Survivors have had to fight not only to be believed, but to overcome the institutional silence and delay tactics of powerful religious organisations. The legal system has often failed them.”

The title of the book – Character Assassination – comes from a remark made by His Honour Judge Lawler QC, who described the defence tactics used in Carragher’s trial as an attempt to discredit the men who bravely stood up to tell the truth about their childhoods.

In Character Assassination , David documents the full extent of the abuse, the criminal convictions, and the protracted legal process that followed – but most of all, he tells the story of the survivors. Many have endured years of trauma, shame, and silence. Some were so deeply affected that they tragically did not survive.

“The men I represent have shown extraordinary courage,” David says. “Their voices deserve to be heard. This book is about them – and about ensuring the truth of what happened at St William’s is never forgotten.”

If you were abused at St William’s in Market Weighton or any other Catholic children’s home, our specialist child abuse solicitors can help.
Switalskis has decades of experience supporting survivors of institutional abuse, including those affected by abuse in religious settings and care homes.

We understand how difficult it can be to speak about your experiences, and we will handle your enquiry with sensitivity and complete confidentiality.

To speak to a solicitor in our dedicated Child Abuse Compensation team, call us on 01924 881 000 or visit switalskis.com to learn more about how we can help.