Ex-PE teacher who hit pupils with golf balls found guilty of abuse

A former PE teacher has been convicted of physically abusing children at a residential school.

Michael Neil, 72, locked children in the gym hall at Kerelaw in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, and struck them with golf balls.

The ex-footballer, who played for Arbroath and Clyde, carried out so many attacks on pupils that a jury heard he couldn't even remember them.

Neil, of Kilmarnock, was found guilty of five offences against victims aged 13 to 17 from 1991 to 2003.

Police Scotland said he was reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with the non-recent abuse of children in 2023.

The victims came forward following the conviction of two other former teachers at the school.

During the trial, they recalled instances where Neil used equipment to strike them in PE class.

In his closing speech to the jury at Paisley Sheriff Court, prosecutor Michael Cunningham said: "These attacks were a normal part of everyday life. Just something that was normalised.

"This was a course of conduct systematically pursued by Michael Neil.

"These were very distressing and deeply personal matters that took place at that school."

Cunningham said evidence was heard from 10 former pupils that they were struck with golf balls, or some other sports ball, at Kerelaw.

He added: "This school, quite frankly, sounded like hell on earth."

In 2015 a team of specialist officers was set up dedicated to investigating alleged abuse at Kerelaw.

Police Scotland said the investigation remained ongoing and detectives continued to investigate reports of non-recent child abuse.

Det Chief Insp Neil Guy said: "Michael Neil subjected children, who were supposed to be in his care, to violent assaults to a degree that many feared for their safety whenever they went to school.

"I'd like to thank those survivors who came forward to us and reported what happened to them.

"Their co-operation and assistance has been instrumental in ensuring this conviction."

The officer urged anyone with information about child abuse, even if it concerns a non-recent offence, to contact the force.

Det Chief Insp Guy added: "Anyone who reports this type of crime can be assured that no matter when the offences happened or who committed them, they will be fully investigated."

Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports and Neil's bail was continued.