Nicky Campbell Recounts Terrifying School Assault in Court

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell became tearful in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday as he described an alleged assault by a teacher that occurred when he was a teenager.

Campbell, 65, testified at a finding in facts hearing concerning allegations against Colin Turner and David Bourne, retired teachers from Edinburgh Academy, where he was a day pupil. Both men have been assessed as unfit to stand trial, meaning they will face no punishment regardless of the hearing's outcome.

Campbell stated that the incident took place in either 1975 or 1976 when he was 14 or 15 years old. He recounted that he and a friend entered an empty classroom after lunch, intending to check a temporary exam timetable on a noticeboard. He described being suddenly grabbed from behind near the collar of his shirt by Mr. Turner.

"I was pulled to ground and thrown around, rag-dolled basically," Campbell told the court. "I was then dragged maybe 15 yards to the door of a building where I assume I was supposed to be."

He described the teacher as a "large, powerful man, a good athlete, maybe 6ft2, powerfully built, with a powerful presence." Campbell added, "It was utterly terrifying. He had lost control. I felt a closed fist slamming into my back, I was kicked and slapped."

Campbell recalled that as the teacher stood over him with his foot raised, the situation changed. "He pushed me down to the ground with his shoe, the way some people kick a door open, and I remember looking up at him and his entire demeanour had changed," he said.

He paused to compose himself before continuing, "I have a clear memory of him looking down at me and it was as if I could see his face saying, ‘What the f*** have I done’. He looked at me and my friend and said, ‘Come with me. We’ll talk about this’."

The broadcaster stated that he and his friend were then taken to the sixth form common room, where they sat opposite the teacher. Eventually, Campbell told Turner he was going home. He explained that he had kept many beatings and assaults secret from his parents, aware of the sacrifices they made to send him to the prestigious school. However, his mother, a psychiatric social worker, noticed his distressed state.

"It’s the last time I can remember thinking I really need my mum," Campbell said. He recalled his mother listening to his account and assuring him it would be sorted. He confirmed his mother contacted the school that evening, and there were repercussions for the teacher.

Campbell, who was awarded an OBE in 2015 for his services to children and adoption, mentioned finding correspondence between his mother and the school about the incident while clearing her home after her death. He stated that he was too distressed at the time to confront the matter, choosing instead to "dump it all."

Campbell is scheduled to be cross-examined by defense teams for the two accused teachers on Thursday. The hearing continues before Sheriff Matthew Auchincloss.