Survivor Looks To The Future After Gaining Justice Regarding Ordeal

A man who developed mental health problems after he was sexually abused by a PE teacher as a child has spoken of his determination to look to the future after lawyers secured him a settlement.

Mark Thomas, 56, has revealed how he suffered at the hands of Marcus Marcussen while he was a pupil at Ilmington Comprehensive School and a member of The Square Club youth club in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, in the 1970s.

Marcussen, then 91, of Rochford, Worcestershire, was jailed for nine years in February 2015 after being convicted of the physical and sexual assault of boys at the school and club between 1957 and 1978.

Following the trial, Mark instructed specialist abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office to help him gain access to vital funds which would ensure he gets the support he needs to try and come to terms with the abuse.

Now, after the legal experts secured Mark a five-figure settlement from Birmingham City Council, he has revealed how he is looking more positively to the future.

Expert Opinion

"This is yet another terrible case which highlights the devastating long-term impact that historical sexual abuse can have on people, with survivors often suffering for a great number of years.

“While nothing will change what Mark has experienced, we hope that this settlement will at least ensure he is able to move forward with his life and access to the specialist support which will help him do so.

“It can be incredibly difficult for those who have been sexually abused to come forward and speak out about what they have faced, but we would urge anyone affected by similar problems not to suffer in silence.” Tom Fletcher - Partner - Head of Abuse

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in helping people affected by sexual abuse

Mark bravely waived anonymity to speak out regarding his suffering at the hands of Marcussen, which occurred while he was a pupil at Ilmington Comprehensive School between 1973 and 1978. He was also a member of The Square Club, which Marcussen helped to run, during this period.

Mark was abused by Marcussen between 1975 and 1978 in a number of ways, with the teacher watching him shower and also requesting he and other boys swim naked.

Mark suffered a number of mental health problems, and during the course of the case an independent consultant psychiatrist diagnosed that he was suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mark said: “It remains incredibly hard to talk about as the abuse has had such a major impact on my life. I’ve suffered a range of issues as a result of what happened and it is a very difficult thing to try and come to terms with.

“I know nothing will ever erase the nightmare that I’ve faced, but I am hopeful that this settlement will ensure I can access support which will help me push forward with my life.

“I also hope that speaking out encourages other people who have suffered like I have not to battle with the problems alone. It takes a huge amount of courage to talk about such issues but it is absolutely vital to gain justice.”

Since the start of 2018, Irwin Mitchell has helped reach settlements for a further 12 people who have been abused by Marcussen. Irwin Mitchell continue to seek justice for a further four individuals.