News by email Donate

Suggestions

John-Smyth-main_article_image.jpg
Justice Alliance of South Africa
UK News

More claims emerge of alleged abuse at Christian camp

Alleged victim Andy Moorse told the BBC that barrister John Smyth QC convinced Simon Doggart to join in committing the sadomasochistic abuse at Winchester College in Hampshire during the mid-1970s.

He alleged that the boys would "bleed everywhere" from the attacks.

Mr Doggart, who has been the headteacher of Caldicott preparatory school in Buckinghamshire for the last two decades, is said to be critically ill and unable to respond to the allegations, the broadcaster said.

There is no suggestion that any pupil at Caldicott Preparatory has ever suffered harm at the hands of Mr Doggart.

Hampshire Police says it is investigating.

Survivors said abuse undertaken at Christian camps run at Winchester College - the oldest public school in the country - amounted to a cult, with victims being told the violence would purge them of their sins.

Two years after assault allegations first emerged in 1982, John Smyth - a leading barrister - moved to Zimbabwe where he founded several Christian camps at which it is claimed he abused youngsters.

The Bishop of Guildford Rt Rev Andrew Watson came forward in February 2017 to claim he survived one occasion of abuse at the hands of John Smyth.

John Smyth is still living as a free man in South Africa.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate