Survivor Targeted By Northwood St Martin’s Preparatory School Teacher Speaks Of Determination To Look To The Future

A man sexually abused as a child by a teacher has spoken of his determination to look to the future after lawyers secured him a £135,000 settlement.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was abused by Richard Gaines in the 1970s. At the time Gaines, was a geography teacher at St Martin’s Preparatory School in Northwood, Middlesex. 

In November 2019 Gaines, then of Swindon, was jailed for five years and two months after admitting seven counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14. The charges related to six boys.

Lawyers supporting survivors abused by teacher Richard Gaines 

A number of Gaines’ survivors instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with the abuse.  

Following a further police investigation, Gaines was charged with further offences. In May 2024, he received a further 18-month jail term suspended for his additional crimes. 

In a separate civil claim brought by Irwin Mitchell the man has now received a settlement, allowing him to access the specialist support he requires to try and come to terms with his “ordeal.”

Tom Fletcher is an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supports abuse survivors. 

Expert Opinion

“My client has shown immense courage in coming forward and pursuing justice, both through the criminal courts and the civil process.

“The abuse he suffered as a child had a significant impact on his mental health, education and career.

“While nothing can undo the ordeal he went through, we’re pleased to have secured this settlement which means provides some sense of closure and helps him continue to rebuild his life.

“While Gaines’ abuse took place decades ago, this case shows that justice catches up with such perpetrators. We hope this gives confidence to other survivors to report what happened to them. They need not suffer in silence.” Tom Fletcher

Man reveals impact child abuse had on his life

The man, now in his 60s, said Gaines groomed him by showing him pornographic magazines. The abuse escalated to sexual assaults in a cupboard. Gaines also coerced boys into performing sexual acts on each other while he watched. 

The man said the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on his life. He described how the trauma affected his education, career choices and personal relationships, leading to long-term psychological harm including complex post-traumatic stress disorder and recurrent depressive disorder.

Survivor speaks out and urges others not to suffer in silence

He said: “What happened to me changed everything. I went from being a confident, happy child to someone who felt ashamed, anxious and withdrawn. It affected how I saw myself, how I trusted people, and the choices I made throughout my life.

“For years I tried to push it to the back of my mind, but it was always there. The memories, the guilt, the sense that something had been taken from me.

“Speaking out wasn’t easy, but it felt necessary. I didn’t want to carry it alone anymore.

“I can’t turn the clock back but I’m thankful that I’ve got justice and what happened to me has been recognised. I know I still face challenges, but I feel I can look to the future rather than the past. 

“By sharing my story I hope I can encourage other abuse survivors to come forward so their voices can be heard.” 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting survivors of abuse at our dedicated abuse claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.