The law firm acting on behalf of 38 children and young adults in Kenya and Uganda who were abused by a British Airways pilot whilst carrying out work in overseas organisations, including charities linked to the airline, have welcomed the decision by BA to settle their legal claim.
Nichola Marshall, head of the international abuse team at Leigh Day said “the airline has agreed a settlement… however, they deny any liability.”
Overview
Wood committed suicide in 2013 after he was charged in the UK with indecent assault and making and possessing indecent photographs of children.
Wood abused children and young women when they were aged between around 4 and 18 in schools and orphanages during stopovers in Kenya and Uganda between 2001 and 2013 whilst flying for British Airways.
The settlement will ensure that all those who were abused by First Officer Simon Wood will now be compensated.
“Now that British Airways has agreed to compensate our clients, a decision which we welcome, these girls we be able to complete their education, which for many was seriously disrupted because of the abuse. They will also be able to access therapeutic treatment to help relieve the psychological pain that has resulted from the abuse.” Marshall said as she announced the settlement which brings to a close a three year legal suit for the young girls.
“Sadly we are seeing more and more of these cases of British child abusers travelling overseas where, by virtue of their sex, race, age and job title, they are able to exploit some of the most vulnerable children in the world in the most awful ways. This settlement should send a message to organisations which send their employees to work or volunteer with children. They need to ensure proper safeguards are in place to prevent such horrific acts.”
