Compensation for Gabriel McConkey in Legal Action Against Methodist College Belfast

Phoenix Law represented Gabriel McConkey in this significant legal challenge against his former school, Methodist College Belfast for abusive and traumatising ‘hazing’ initiations that occurred on a school rugby trip in December 2022. The case concluded yesterday with settlement announced in the High Court in Mr McConkey’s favour with a sum in excess of £50,000 in damages being paid, following an admission of liability by the school on grounds of negligence and failure to supervise. 

The case marks a victory against toxic rugby culture in Northern Ireland schools. 

Background 

Our client, formerly a student at the prestigious grammar school, brought a civil claim against the school’s governors for severe psychological harm caused to him by the series of humiliating incidents that occurred on the school rugby trip to Portugal. This included pupils being forced to have their heads shaved, to strip naked and run the boundary of the resort by older pupils, which were filmed and shared on social media. A further incident occurred wherein pupils were forced to dress in women’s underwear and perform an act on an a sex toy.  Despite formal complaints to the school’s senior leadership, the distinctive lack of appropriate action forced our client to launch legal proceedings to address the wrongs perpetrated on our client. 

Legal Challenges 

Phoenix Law undertook this highly sensitive case to expose the failures of Methodist College in fulfilling its duty of care, supervision and safeguarding for pupils in its care on the school trip. The case demonstrated the failure of the school to follow established policies and to ensure appropriate safeguarding was in place, which resulted in preventable injuries to our client.

Settlement and Impact

After two years defending this case, Methodist College Belfast agreed to settle the action, thereby avoiding further distress to our client through a protracted trial. The school admitted liability on grounds of negligence and failure to supervise, and to pay substantial damages to our client for the trauma he suffered in the school’s care.  Separate to the compensation, the costs of the litigation will be paid by the school. 

This case sets a vital precedent regarding the responsibilities of educational institutions in preventing and responding to serious safeguarding allegations in the context of highly competitive school rugby.   Schools hold a duty of care towards their pupils, which when breached, leads to legal liabilities. 

Our Victoria Haddock of our Litigation, Healthcare and Abuse Department is proud to have championed this cause for Gabriel McConkey. Our commitment remains firm on advocating for those harmed by institutional failings and ensuring that entities, irrespective of their stature, are held accountable for their actions or inactions. No child should suffer psychological injuries as a result of a school trip. We hope that this victory can contribute to stronger, more effective safeguarding and anti-bullying policies, and a safer educational and sporting environment for all pupils.

For more details on how Phoenix Law can assist in similar cases, or to schedule a consultation, please contact info@phoenix-law.org