David Fletcher victim: ‘Like the spider in the web’

David Fletcher, a central figure in the cover-up of John Smyth’s horrific abuses, sexually abused several girls and young women over many years, it has been revealed.

Three women - two of them sisters - have described the abuse and misogyny carried out by Fletcher. ‘Jeni’ described him as being ‘like the spider in the web’ and added: ‘This man needs to be named and shamed, and I don't want to carry that shame any longer.’

Fletcher died three years ago. He was a friend of the late John Smyth, son of a peer and rector at St Ebbe's, Oxford from 1986 to 1998. He also led the Iwerne camps for 20 years to 1986 - where he allegedly continued abusing victims.