Personal Injury

St Peter’s College in Adelaide has a long-standing reputation as one of South Australia’s premier educational institutions. However, its history has been marred by allegations of child sexual abuse, shedding light on a darker side that has deeply affected the lives of many former students. By revisiting these accounts, survivors may find the courage to step forward, and society can continue to learn valuable lessons about safeguarding children.

The Case of John Mountford

One of the most notorious cases involved John Mountford, a chaplain at St Peter’s College, in the early 1990s. Mountford was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student. When confronted about these allegations in 1992, Mountford fled to Thailand. In 2004, he was arrested by Thai authorities and extradited to Australia in 2005 to face trial. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the charges were ultimately dropped in 2007, leaving many unanswered questions and a deep sense of injustice among survivors and their advocates.

After the charges were dropped, Mountford left Australia and eventually settled in Libya. He established an English-language school in Tripoli, where he lived for about two years. In July 2009, Mountford was found dead in his apartment in Tripoli under suspicious circumstances. Reports suggest he may have been murdered, with friends claiming he had faced blackmail threats related to his past allegations of sexual abuse. His death brought an end to a complex and troubling chapter, leaving unresolved questions and a lasting impact on those involved.

The case also brought attention to the leadership of the Anglican Church at the time, particularly former Archbishop Dr Ian George, whose role in facilitating Mountford’s departure from Australia drew widespread criticism. This incident remains a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allowed perpetrators to evade accountability.

The “Jonathon” Case

Another significant instance of abuse at St Peter’s College involved a student referred to as “Jonathon.” In the 1990s, Jonathon alleged that a teacher had sexually abused him repeatedly during classroom hours. The teacher exploited their position of authority to commit these heinous acts, resulting in profound psychological trauma for Jonathon.

In January 2025, St Peter’s College settled a lawsuit brought by Jonathon, acknowledging the historical abuse. While the school expressed regret over the events, this case underscored the lasting impact such abuse can have on survivors. The settlement also highlighted the importance of addressing past wrongs while ensuring child safety moving forward.

Institutional Accountability

Over the years, St Peter’s College has implemented measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Policies have been updated, child safety programs have been introduced, and the institution has pledged to work compassionately with any survivors seeking resolution. These steps, while important, cannot erase the pain experienced by those who suffered abuse.

Moving Forward

The accounts of abuse at St Peter’s College are not just stories of institutional failure; they are also stories of resilience and the ongoing fight for justice. Survivors who come forward play an essential role in creating awareness and ensuring that children are protected from harm today and in the future. If you or someone you know has memories of abuse linked to St Peter’s College, you are not alone. By stepping forward, you can help ensure that justice is served and that your voice contributes to systemic change.

Your Path to Compensation and Emotional Closure

Koffels Solicitors and Barristers offer comprehensive legal services for survivors, including:

• Case Evaluation: We assess the merits of each case and provide honest advice on the likelihood of success.
• Legal Representation: Our team represents survivors throughout the legal process, from filing the claim to reaching a settlement or verdict.
• Support and Guidance: We understand the emotional toll of these cases and offer compassionate support every step of the way.

If you or someone you know has been affected by abuses at St Peter’s College or any other institution, we urge you to come forward. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Our legal professionals specializing in historical institutional abuse compensation claims can provide the support and guidance needed to find your way through the path towards healing and acknowledgement.

We stand with you in your quest for acknowledgement and reparation. Together, we can hold accountable those who have failed in their duty of care and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.

Contact us at +612 9283 5599 to discuss your experiences and explore the avenues available for acknowledgement and compensation. Alternatively, you can complete the form below, and we will arrange for one of our historical abuse specialists to call you to help assess your legal options.