EX-BOARDING SCHOOL OWNER DERRICK COOPER CONVICTED OF ASSAULT AND CRUELTY
The ex-owner of a boarding school has been convicted of two charges of cruelty and assault against two boys.Derrick Cooper, who ran Underley Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, had caused "fear" at the school, his trial at Carlisle Crown Court was told.
The 77-year-old, of Hillberry Green, Douglas, Isle of Man, had denied seven charges of assault and one of cruelty.
He was convicted on a majority verdict of assaulting one pupil, who claimed he was head-butted.
Another former pupil described being subjected to violence in the dining hall that resulted in blood, and being only allowed to sleep wrapped in a towel in a cold corridor.
Jurors cleared him of the other assault charges and acquitted him of cruelty on another youngster.
During the trial, Cooper stated he was not responsible for any violent acts at his school for 'maladjusted' boys.
He is scheduled for sentencing on 26 April.
Two other former teachers and a maintenance manager were also cleared of related charges.
