Monk stands trial on abuse charges

The trial is being heard at the High Court in Edinburgh

A retired monk has gone on trial at the High Court in Edinburgh accused of the physical and sexual abuse of boys at a school.

Two other men who were members of staff at St Ninian's School in Stirlingshire have also gone on trial.

Michael Murphy, 69, who was known as Brother Benedict, is alleged to have abused 12 boys in the 1960s and 70s.

He is charged with abusing children as young as six.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at Gartmore House on Gartmore Estate near Aberfoyle.

The building housed the St Ninian's List D school until the school closed 20 years ago.

Electric shocks

The residential school catered for youngsters aged between seven and 11 who were sent there by the children's panel.

Mr Murphy, of Liss in Hampshire, is accused of committing indecent acts with some of the boys.

He is also accused of giving electric shocks and is alleged to have made two boys eat their own vomit.

Charles McKenna, 83, from Stirling, faces eight charges allegedly committed between 1957 and 1981.

Deny charges

He is accused of indecency, assault and indecent assault, and is alleged to have pressed a heated iron against one boy's hand.

James McKinstrey, 70, from Port of Menteith in Stirlingshire, faces five charges allegedly committed between 1967 and 1981.

He is accused of indecency and indecent assault.

The men deny all the charges.

The trial, before Lord Carloway, continues.