Abuse survivors secure "significant" sums from Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt universities - read their statements here

TWO students have secured damages from two universities after they were abused by a former lecturer.

Professor Kevin O’Gorman was convicted three years ago over the horrendous attacks.

He is understood to have targeted seven males between 2006 and 2014 while employed at both Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt universities.

The abuse resulted in a review but affected survivors were not happy with the findings.

Digby Brown investigated after being contacted by several survivors and now can confirm two people have secured “significant” compensation payments.

“For years our clients have shown a bravery few could understand and I pay tribute to them, and others affected by the deplorable actions of O’Gorman, for what they have now achieved.

“When it comes to historic abuse, universities are no different than any other institution and we will see to it that affected survivors get the recognition they deserve.”

The two survivors who secured their recognition bravely chose to speak about their experiences.

Each person was affected differently so each historic abuse claim had a different significance.

Here, as per our clients' wishes, we share their statements in full so others may feel empowered.

Fraser Blevins, who was abused by O’Gorman at Strathclyde University, said: “It has been an immensely challenging few years, and although difficult, I am glad I made the decision to reach out to the police in the first instance and again with the civil action. If other victims hadn’t have come forward, I wouldn’t have had the courage to do so, so I am indebted to them for their bravery and noble pursuit of justice.

“I still believe the so-called ‘impartial report’ Strathclyde commissioned was quite frankly a disgrace and a sham – it claims to be an institution aiming to mould future leaders of the world yet the university failed to demonstrate the key characteristics of honesty, integrity and trust.

“They had an opportunity to right the wrongs of O’Gorman yet shirked their responsibility.

“The university never reached out to me personally at any point, and put me through many sleepless nights having to relive the damage done. I don’t think I can forgive them for their betrayal but I certainly hope to now move on with my life.

“For many years I blamed myself. It took others coming forward for me to take courage in that and tell my story. Thankfully, I also had the support of my wife and she gave me strength to pursue this.

“I would assure other survivors of abuse that although the road forward is not easy, contacting the authorities is the right thing to do. Everyone has an opportunity to get justice and for me this was the first step in the healing process.”

The second survivor – who wished to remain anonymous – was abused by O’Gorman at Heriot-Watt.

They added: “Whilst being supervised by Kevin O'Gorman was psychologically challenging, the months and years after have proved far harder. 

“I realised I had downplayed in my own mind the significance of the times I was sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and psychologically manipulated by O'Gorman whilst it had been occurring. 

“Reflecting on my experiences with him sent me down a dark pit I do no not believe I could have escaped from without the love and support of my partner.

“Testifying in court against my own PhD Supervisor was both the most psychologically challenging, and one of the best things I had ever done.

“But It took a huge toll on me, and even now, years later, I am still working on my PhD, wildly behind schedule for where I'd have like to have been at this stage in my life, where every day is a challenge to overcome the trauma I am constantly reminded of. 

“Thanks to Digby Brown, I received compensation from Heriot-Watt for their breach of duty of care towards me.

“That, alongside the guilty verdict in the trial have been immensely helpful in feeling like I am beginning to move forward.

“I look to the future with optimism, as I know that one day, I will finally finish my PhD, bury the past forever and truly, move on.”

The settlements secured from Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt were first announced in The Sunday Times.