Tears as the final verdicts delivered

TWELVE jurors returned on Friday morning to deliver their majority verdicts on the final four charges — finding Neil Carr not guilty on all 20 counts of sexual assault.

Mr Carr and his supporters shed tears of joy as the courtroom ordeal finally came to an end.

The verdicts, staggered in announcements across the week, tested the resolve of the young teacher’s family who were surrounded by supportive parents from the school at which he taught.

Mr Carr’s mum ran over to the dock in tears as her son was released, following gasps of relief from the public gallery.

A relative of one of the accusers leapt up after the announcement, shouting before storming out.

The verdicts put an end to the rollercoaster trial that has seen tears shed and tensions raised as the community was tore in two.

The prosecution argued the seven boys who made the allegations had been sexually touched by Mr Carr, who in some instances was said to have crouched down at their desks before slipping his hand over their privates.

Carr, who trembled with nerves as the final verdicts were read out, was steadfast in his denial of what he deemed ludicrous accusations.

His defence lawyer argued that a savage group mentality had seen vicious rumours spread among the boys that was then furthered by the parents.

Judge Timothy Mort said to the jury: “There were huge problems whichever way this case was going to go, you’ve been conscientious and done anything you can in this case.”

He described the case as emotionally intense for the jurors, adding that it must have been a terrible ordeal for them to sit through.”



Can he return to school?



TALKS will be held on whether Neil Carr can return to what has become a school divided by parents who support or oppose him. The Chronicle understands that discussions are yet to take place about his future.



A spokesman for the council concerned said: “The safety and welfare of pupils is the school’s top priority. Action was taken swiftly to ensure the safety of children. The member of staff was suspended when allegations were made. Our focus now is to ensure the best outcome for the individuals affected and the wider school community. Staff worked hard to ensure school business and activities have continued largely as normal. Most pupils affected continued to attend class during the trial and a support network is in place to ensure they get any individual help they need.

“Our focus has also always been to minimise any impact on the children and wider school community. That remains paramount. An experienced and specialist mediation group is being brought in to empower and assist staff, pupils and parents to resolve any outstanding issues.”



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