Wolverhampton teacher Edward Philips-Smith jailed for abusing pupils

Edward Philips-Smith, who was known as ‘Father Eddie’ and was a chaplain at St Peter’s Collegiate School (now Academy) in Wolverhampton, has been sent to prison for almost three years after being convicted of abusing two pupils in the 1980s.

Philips-Smith was convicted this week at Oxford Crown Court of one count of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child.

Judge Pringle said of Philips-Smith that he abused the “position of absolute trust” that he had over his victims. It is clear from the evidence that the abuse caused devastating psychological harm to the survivors.

I know from my clients’ experiences in similar situations that the criminal process can be incredibly difficult and stressful. I hope that the complainants in this investigation now have the support – personal and professional – in order to move forward, heal and find closure.

A civil claim for compensation can enable survivors to access funding for therapy and losses as a result of abuse they have experienced. Anyone who has suffered abuse in a school setting can contact me directly for a free, no-obligation, advice about their rights.