In Dark Corners

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In Dark Corners: South Africa

South Africa

BBC Radio 4 - In Dark Corners, South Africa

Alex Renton follows the trail of two teachers fighting extradition from South Africa.

After multiple allegations of sexually abusing young boys, two men - who taught at some of Britain's most elite schools - disappeared. Journalist Alex Renton picks up the trail.

Journalist Alex Renton attended three traditional private schools. When he was eight he left home and boarded at Ashdown House, where he was sexually abused by a teacher. It wasn't until 2014 that Alex felt able to face his demons. He began writing about his experiences and that's when emails and letters started pouring in from other boarding school survivors, from around the country. The scale was breathtaking.

In summer 2022 Alex presented the series 'In Dark Corners', in which he followed the path of predatory teachers as they made their way through Britain's most elite schools, where the abuse was either ignored or enabled. Few were charged. Many fled the country. 

In this fourth episode Alex picks up the stories of two teachers covered earlier in the series. 'Hubert' from episode 1 was a teacher at Ashdown House; an exclusive all boys school in Sussex, which includes Boris Johnson amongst its alumni.  'Edgar' from episode 2 taught broadcaster Nicky Campbell, amongst many others, at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College in Edinburgh. 

Both teachers have numerous allegations of sexual abuse against them spanning decades and continents. Both are now in South Africa. Will they ever be brought back to Britain to be tried in court?

BBC Action Line support: Child sexual abuse:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/22VVM5LPrf3pjYdKqctmMXn/information-and-support-sexual-abuse-and-violence



Producer: Caitlin Smith
Presenter: Alex Renton
Editors: Gail Champion and Heather Kane-Darling
Research in South Africa: Carol Albertyn Christie
Sound design: Jon Nicholls

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Alex Renton presents a series about class, power and privilege in Britain's elite schools.

What will be uncovered when a light is shone in the dark corners of Britain's most elite boarding school? Alex Renton presents a story of class, power and privilege.

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