Settlement for survivor of abuse by De La Salle Brothers priest and teacher at school in Bournemouth

The abuse took place in the 1970s, with the survivor having recently come forward after learning of other victims who experienced similar abuse at De La Salle Brothers institutions.  

Brother Kevin, who was part of the De La Salle order of the Catholic Church, worked at St Peter’s School in Bournemouth, Oakhill Primary School and St Joseph’s School in Ipswich before his death – all of which belong to the religious teaching order.  

The survivor did not feel able to speak about the abuse for a long time due to feelings of guilt and shame, and has suffered life-long effects. 

He instructed Leigh Day abuse claims partner, Dino Nocivelli, to bring a civil case against the De La Salle Brothers for sexual abuse.  

It was alleged that the De La Salle Brothers enabled Brother Kevin to come into contact with children and abuse his position of trust as a teacher and housemaster. 

Although the police had been unable to pursue a criminal investigation due to Brother Kevin’s advanced dementia and death in 2022, a settlement was reached which included: 

Compensation for the pain and suffering endured as well as the ongoing need for therapeutic support. 

• A written apology from the De La Salle Brothers. 
• The survivor has chosen to remain anonymous. 

Dino Nocivelli said: 

“After hearing about others who had been abused at De La Salle institutions, my client took the immensely brave step to come forward about the terrible abuse by Brother Kevin he suffered during the 1970s at St Peter’s School in Bournemouth. After bringing a civil claim against the De La Salle Brothers, a settlement was reached which included compensation and a written apology. While nothing can truly make up for the abuse my client suffered, we hope that this outcome has been able to offer some sense of justice and closure.”