Suicide Dean Faced Sex Claims

The Dean of King’s College has been found dead at his home in Cambridgeshire.

His death was announced after it emerged he was being investigated for child abuse.

The Rev Ian Thompson, 49, died from asphyxiation. Police refused to confirm the nature of his death but it is widely believed to be suicide.

Thompson has been under investigation for child abuse since 2007, after claims that he abused several children in Glasgow.

He had been charged in relation to three offences and appeared in court.

A spokesman for the Crown Office in Scotland said: “Ian Thompson, aged 49, from Great Shelford, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on January 3, 2009 charged with sodomy, assault to injury and rape.”

“He made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.”

The accused Dean spent Lent term on leave from academic duties but remained in his position as treasurer of Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs.

Friends and colleagues yesterday paid tribute to Rev Thompson.. King’s College announced his “untimely” death on their website, adding, “he will be much missed by many.”

Kings’ JCR President Anna Richardson said “I hope people remember that accusation far from equals guilt, Ian was super loved in King's and was a wonderful mentor to many people.”