A Belfast grammar school has issued an apology to a former pupil who was awarded a £50,000 payout over "hazing" initiations on an overseas rugby tour.
Last week, the settlement was announced in Gabriel McConkey’s action over claims he was allegedly forced to strip naked and have his head shaved as part of “hazing” initiations. He claims he also witnessed other boys from Methodist College Belfast perform acts on a sex toy at their base in Portugal.
Mr McConkey, 19, sued the school’s governors for alleged negligence and failure to properly supervise the senior rugby squad on the trip in December 2022. In court on January 22, it was announced that he is to be paid £52,760 plus legal costs. Mr McConkey’s family and solicitor declared the outcome a vindication in taking the case.
Read more: Former pupil at NI grammar school gets £50k payout over rugby trip “hazing”
Methodist College Belfast has now publicly apologised to Mr McConkey, describing the incident as "unacceptable behaviour." The school said an apology was issued to Gabriel and his parents "immediately" after the incident.
In a statement, the Chair of the Board, Rev’d Niall Johnston, said: "Immediately following the occurrence of the unacceptable behaviour, the Principal was in contact with Mr McConkey and his parents and offered an apology on behalf of the school, an apology that I wish to reiterate. This was before any legal proceedings were intimated.
"A review of the school’s procedures commenced immediately. When the legal proceedings were initiated, the matter was placed in the hands of the school’s insurers who then dealt with the claim on the school’s behalf.
"The school admitted publicly the allegation that was made against the school, which was one of negligent supervision. It would have been inappropriate for the school to comment on this matter during legal proceedings.
"The school continues to extend its regret over these incidents to Mr McConkey and his family and again offers its sincere apologies in respect of the incidents that occurred on the trip."
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