Nicky Campbell, a broadcaster with BBC Radio 5 Live, testified in an Edinburgh Sheriff Court hearing that he was attacked by a teacher while attending the Edinburgh Academy during the 1970s. Campbell, 65, described the assault as a “complete frenzy” that left him terrified.

The hearing, which took place over two days, is part of an examination of facts concerning allegations against two former teachers from the school, Colin Turner, 92, and David Bourne, 72. Both men have been accused of assaulting pupils during the 1970s but have been deemed medically unfit to stand trial. As a result, the sheriff is reviewing evidence to decide whether there are sufficient grounds for conviction.

Turner faces eight counts of assault, with incidents alleged to have occurred between 1970 and 1982, as well as a charge related to treating someone “cruelly and unnaturally.” Bourne is accused of two assaults said to have occurred in the late 1970s.

During his testimony, Campbell said Turner attacked him while he was accompanied by another pupil, standing near a notice board. He recounted having a “vivid memory” of Turner slapping, striking, dragging, and shaking him before reportedly pushing him to the ground with his foot.

Campbell’s account illustrates the intense nature of the alleged attack, emphasizing the violent and unexpected behavior by the teacher. The sheriff’s court proceeding is continuing to examine the broader allegations concerning pupil abuse at the Edinburgh Academy in that era.