A MAN has pleaded guilty to five offences in connection with allegations of child cruelty at an independent school in Wirral. Elliot Miller of Bradman Close, Liscard pleaded guilty to five offences at Wirral Magistrates Court on October 9 and will be sentenced on November 18 at Liverpool Crown Court.

An investigation was launched by Merseyside Police after the BBC broadcast video footage recorded by an undercover journalist at the Life Wirral school on June 17. That investigation resulted in a number of arrests and three men being charged on September 20.

Merseyside Police said Miller had pleaded guilty to all five offences including common assault of an adult between March 20 and May 27, a Section 5 public order offence on April 4, two counts of assault by beating on April 23, and common assault on March 22.

Two other men have been charged as a result of the investigation. Daniel McNulty-Doyle of Rockfarm Grove, Little Neston has been charged with using threatening, abusive word or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress on April 18. Oliver Nugent, of  Seaview Avenue, Irby has been charged with assault by beating on April 23.

Following the announcement of charges by Merseyside Police on September 20, Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “We know this investigation has raised concern in the community, and – working alongside partners in the local authority and health bodies – support has been and will continue to be provided to the pupils and families affected.

“The Life School permanently closed after the alleged incidents came to light and enquiries into the alleged incidents are continuing. An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review will take place, and referrals are being made to professional bodies to safeguard people in future.”

In July, Wirral Council provided an update on this review.  In response to a question from Cllr Keiran Murphy at a health and wellbeing board meeting on July 18, Childrens, families and education director Elizabeth Hartley said the local authority was working with families both in response to the documentary and supporting them going forward.

She said: “This has been a really difficult time for the young people and their families involved,” adding the local authority had carried out a rapid review that led to the request of the independent practice review.

She said because a large number of children and families were involved, the review will take time but the council was carrying out visits to all the children it looks after in other independent settings to get assurances about their welfare.