Some of the boys did behave badly and needed discipline, but they did not deserve that type of treatment. If the prosecution cases was right, the evidence revealed “a streak in his nature which makes him not only unfit to be in charge of boys but brings him within the realms of the law”.
The Court would also hear from some boys that Mr. Byrd had hit them in his face with his fist. On one occasion, one lad’s lip was split inside and out.
“That is not just reasonable chastisement properly administered: that is a man under the power of uncontrollable rage who takes it out on the boys,” counsel went on. Another lad, he alleged, was beaten round the study with a hockey stick until he was dizzy and collapsed.
The trial was adjourned until today.