St William's home: Witness storms out of court

James Carragher denies 50 counts of indecent assault and 12 other serious sexual offences

An alleged victim of sexual abuse at a former children's home in East Yorkshire stormed out of court while giving evidence.

The former pupil had earlier told Leeds Crown Court how he was visited in his room at night by members of staff at St William's in Market Weighton.

The abuse allegations date back to the 1970s and 1980s.

The home for boys with behavioural problems was run by the Catholic De La Salle order. It has since closed.

He was one of 19 alleged victims giving evidence against ex-principal James Carragher, 75, who is standing trial along with former chaplain Anthony McCallen, 69, and former teacher Michael Curran, 62.

The alleged victim claimed he was sexually assaulted on a number of occasions by James Carragher and Anthony McCallen, during the 1980s.

'Attack him'

During cross-examination by prosecuting barrister Richard Wright QC, he told the court the pair would visit him as he slept and sexually assault him.

"I thought it was a natural thing that happened to people. I thought it was the norm," he said.

Mr Wright asked him about an incident when James Carragher allegedly visited him in his room.

"He was rubbing his hands all over my body," said the witness.

"I jumped up. I had a knife under my mattress. I went to attack him with it."

He added after he had produced the knife he was never visited again.

St William's children's home has since closed

John Dunning QC representing Anthony McCallen questioned the alleged victim about discrepancies in his evidence in court and the statements he had given to police.

The man got up and left the witness box shouting: "Leave me alone, you're making me out to be a liar."

Mr Carragher, of Merseyside, denies 50 counts of indecent assault and 12 other serious sexual offences.

Mr McCallen, also of Merseyside, denies 18 indecent assaults and seven other serious sexual offences.

Mr Curran, of Teesside, denies one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and another of indecent assault.

The trial continues.

Anthony McCallen (l) and Michael Curran are also on trial at Leeds Crown Court