Solicitor, Abuse
We helped Mr W after he suffered sexual abuse by John Broome during his time at Whitehill Football Club. This club is a ‘feeder team’ for Manchester City which provides experience and training for young players, before they could be potentially picked for the main team at Manchester City.
As Mr W suffered the abuse at a recognised Manchester City feeder team, he was eligible for an award under the Manchester City Survivors Scheme.
This compensation scheme was introduced by Manchester City Football Club in response to several allegations of child abuse across their club and feeder clubs.
Mr W first approached us in June 2021 and asked us to investigate his claim against Manchester City Football Club.
Mr W had previously been involved in the Manchester City inquiry into abuse and provided information which was used within the report. Unfortunately, Mr W wasn’t informed by the inquiry that he could make a claim under the Manchester City Survivors scheme.When he first approached us, we made sure Mr W was informed on the scheme and his ability to bring forward a claim.
We understand the psychological difficulties, stress and anxiety that can come with talking about abuse in childhood. The thought of then making a claim for compensation on top of this can feel especially overwhelming.
We also understand the trauma that abuse can cause and, where possible, we keep discussion of the acts of abuse to a minimum. In Mr W’s case we were able to use the statement he’d provided to the inquiry, taking away the need to revisit difficult memories in detail. It was important to us that Mr W was supported through every step of the claim.
Our Abuse Solicitors are experienced in dealing with cases of childhood abuse and recognise the impact it can have on victims’ lives. We’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish and will aim to make the process as easy as possible for you.
“My claim through Simpson Millar was managed in an exceptional manner from inception/brief to completion. The staff were first class friendly, yet very professional… it was managed in such a way I did not have any undue concerns or worries.” – Mr W.
We're rated‘Excellent’
Competitive sports such as gymnastics can involve tough training regimes, which can sadly mean that signs of abuse can go unnoticed, and many victims can be reluctant to speak out as they’re worried about it affecting their career prospects.
Michael Green, who is now 80 years old, was already serving a prison sentence for sexual offences when he was found guilty of further abuse towards young boys as far back as fifty years ago.
George Blackstock and seven other former apprentice players are asking for a new investigation to take place into their allegations of abuse at Stoke City FC.
Manchester Evening News. (2018, March 6). Coach John Broome could have abused more young players, warn lawyers. Retrieved from https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/coach-john-broome-could-abused-14314092
Simpson Millar LLP. (n.d.). Manchester City Launch Child Abuse Compensation Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/sports-abuse/manchester-city-launch-child-abuse-compensation-scheme/
BBC News. (2021, March 17). Man City abuse victim: 'Barry Bennell cost me my career.' Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-56428525
Manchester City Football Club. (2021, March 16). Review into Non-Recent Child Sex Abuse Associated with Manchester City FC. Retrieved from https://mediacdn.mancity.com/cf/media/o4sdjmmy/review-into-non-recent-child-sex-abuse-associated-with-manchester-city-fc-final-v2-16-3-21-003.pdf
Daily Mail. (2019, March 15). Man City payouts to Barry Bennell victims could cost millions. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-6801319/Man-City-payouts-Barry-Bennell-victims-cost-millions.html
Kate works as a Solicitor in our Abuse Claims Department.
After completing her education at Leeds Beckett University in 2018, Kate decided to specialise in Abuse Claims. Within this department, she has gained experience dealing with Civil Claims against various institutions including local authorities, public schools, religious institutions and charitable organisations. This includes the Manchester Homes 2 Group Action and the claims against Manchester City Council for abuse at St Anne’s School. Kate has also successfully navigated claims through the Lambeth and Manchester City Redress Schemes.
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