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Last week, William Brydson was sentenced to ten years in prison, prompting a moment of relief for Dawn Crawford and Michelle Kilpatrick. Both women, having endured abuse as vulnerable children at a boarding school in Dumfries and Galloway during the 1980s, finally saw some measure of justice after a prolonged fight. Brydson, who worked as head of care at Monken Hadley in Newton Stewart, subjected them to both physical and sexual assault while under his supervision.
Back in 2003, Brydson faced court but the charges related to sexual abuse were dropped amid what was described as a “catalogue of blunders” by prosecutors, who missed critical deadlines. He was initially sentenced to two years for assault, later reduced to nine months on appeal. Despite that conviction, former pupils like Dawn and Michelle persisted in seeking justice. After more than twenty years, Brydson, now 78, was found guilty of multiple historical offences, including rape. The sentencing marked a significant moment for the survivors, who have carried the weight of their trauma for decades.
Dawn and Michelle’s experiences at the school, later known as Woodlands, were harrowing. Dawn, who ran away from home at age 11 and lived at the boarding school between ages 13 and 16, recalls the harsh conditions—including humiliating chores like sweeping the yard with a toothbrush—and a militaristic atmosphere enforced by Brydson, who would bring them into line with violent discipline. At night, she described how Brydson would lure children with cigarettes before molesting them under blankets. The long-term effects on Dawn have been profound, transforming her from a previously sociable child into a recluse battling depression and substance abuse, now in recovery. She says, “He just made me feel so small,” reflecting on the deep personal toll.
Michelle, who attended Monken Hadley after escaping abuse at home, described her time there as a “nightmare” that left her with PTSD and other health issues. Despite Brydson admitting in 2003 to physically assaulting several children, the dropping of sexual abuse charges was a bitter disappointment. The recent criminal proceedings that led to Brydson’s latest conviction came after new evidence surfaced, confirming the widespread nature of his abuse from 1979 to 1986. Both survivors have waived their right to anonymity to speak openly. Michelle summed up their enduring pain, saying, “At the end of the day, the damage is done to us all,” and although they continue to seek healing, they remain profoundly affected by their shared past. The case has also highlighted the ongoing investigation into Monken Hadley as part of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, with officials committed to learning from past mistakes to ensure better investigations and prosecutions in the future
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