Claims of pupil 'abuse' at Kerelaw school disputed

Mr McMenemy was a teacher at Kerelaw List D school in Ayrshire

Former pupils at a List D school have disputed claims that a teacher hurled stones at children and used inappropriate force.

The evidence came in a General Teaching Council hearing into the conduct of James McMenemy.

Mr McMenemy was a teacher at Kerelaw in Ayrshire, which had a secure unit for about 100 of the most disturbed teenagers in Scotland.

The claims from some former residents are contested by others.

The school was closed down in 2006.

The GTC is looking at charges Mr McMenemy used unnecessary force when he held down teenagers who were displaying a violent fit of temper.

It is also claimed that during hill walks he threw them into a stream, hurled stones at them and forced them to walk in wet clothing.

But three former residents giving evidence said the claims were a gross distortion of simple horseplay between staff and students in the great outdoors.

One described Mr McMenemy as a calming influence one of many staff who gave their heart and soul to the school.

The hearing has been adjourned until next month.