ALAN LANGSHAW AND COLIN DICK: SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE AT WIDNES CARE HOMES REVEALED

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Widnes, two men who endured horrific childhood sexual abuse at the hands of staff members at St Aidan’s Care Home have been awarded substantial compensation by a High Court judge. The ruling, delivered by Mr Justice Irwin, confirmed that both victims, now in their 50s, had suffered abuse during their formative years while residing at the notorious Roman Catholic care facility for troubled teenagers in Widnes during the 1960s and early 1970s.

St Aidan’s Care Home, which gained notoriety in the 1990s following high-profile court proceedings, was the site of numerous criminal convictions related to abuse by staff members. Among those convicted was Alan Langshaw, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Colin Dick, a care worker at the facility, who received a four-year sentence. The revelations about these individuals have cast a long shadow over the institution’s history.

Alan Langshaw, aged 42 at the time of sentencing, was from Moreton, Wirral. His criminal activities spanned from 1977 to 1994, during which he was found guilty of sexual offences committed against boys aged between 10 and 20. His misconduct took place while he was employed at Greystone Heath, St Vincent’s Community Home in Formby, Merseyside, and Halton College in Widnes. Following the exposure of Langshaw’s crimes, authorities launched an investigation in April of the previous year into allegations made by boys at other care homes across Cheshire and Merseyside.

These two men, who are leading a group action involving over 50 individuals claiming abuse at St Aidan’s or its sister institution, St Vincent’s in Formby, were collectively awarded damages totaling £57,000, including interest, against the Nugent Care Society, the organization responsible for managing the homes. The court heard detailed testimonies from the victims, revealing the profound and lasting impact of their traumatic experiences.

One of the victims, referred to as ‘JA’ in court documents, described how the abuse left him emotionally distant, angry, and distrustful of relationships. He recounted enduring three specific episodes of abuse inflicted by a now-deceased teacher. The court awarded him £10,000 in damages along with £2,000 in interest. JA’s background included being bullied and taunted at school, as well as running away from home before being taken into care. He was placed at St Aidan’s between 1969 and 1971, starting at the age of 13.

The second victim, identified as JPM, testified that he was likely abused by three different staff members during his time at St Aidan’s. The court awarded JPM £39,500 in damages and an additional £6,000 in interest. His account detailed repeated abuse, which he endured at the age of 14, and only managed to speak about nearly three decades later, in the mid-1990s. JPM expressed deep anguish, stating, “I believe St Aidan’s ruined my life. I have never been able to forget it. My life has been ruined and I want these people to be brought to justice.”

Another case involving a man referred to as RM was dismissed by the court. The judge cited discrepancies and conflicts within his account, the absence of crucial evidence, and the death of witnesses as reasons that proceeding with his case could result in injustice. The court’s decision underscores the complexities involved in prosecuting historical abuse cases, especially when evidence is scarce or inconsistent.

These revelations have reopened painful memories for many victims and have highlighted the dark history of child abuse within the care system in Widnes. The court’s ruling marks a significant step toward justice for those who suffered at the hands of staff members at St Aidan’s and its associated institutions, and it underscores the ongoing need for accountability and safeguarding measures within care environments.