Compensation claim too late

A 65-year-old man, who claims he was subjected to a catalogue of
abuse while at church schools in the 1940s has been refused
compensation by the high court.

Peter McDonnell, of Hornsey, north London, blamed his childhood
experiences for the psychiatric injury that he says has blighted
his life.

But Mr Justice Mackay struck out the case saying he had left it
almost 40 years too late to sue.

The judge told him he should have issued a writ within six years
of his 21st birthday.

McDonnell was, however, granted leave to take the case to the
Court of Appeal.