BRIAN O’LEARY, DROITWICH SOCIAL WORKER, SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES ON VULNERABLE BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Droitwich, a former social worker named Brian William O’Leary has been sentenced to nine years in prison for committing serious sexual offences against a young boy. The offences took place over a span of nine months, from October 9, 1979, to June 11, 1980, while O’Leary was employed at a care home located on Ledwych Road in Droitwich.

O’Leary, aged 66 and residing on Oakland Avenue in Droitwich, faced multiple charges including four counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted buggery, all involving a boy under the age of 16. Although he denied the allegations, a jury found him guilty after a trial that lasted a week. The court proceedings revealed that O’Leary exploited his position of trust as a social worker to target a vulnerable adolescent boy who was placed in the care home for his protection.

The care home, which has since closed, was intended to safeguard children in need of professional care. However, during his employment, O’Leary took advantage of his role to carry out a series of sexual assaults on the young victim. The victim, who was in a fragile state and under the care of professionals, was subjected to prolonged abuse by O’Leary, who was in his 30s at the time.

Detective Inspector Andy Price, the senior investigating officer, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict and condemned O’Leary’s actions. He emphasized that the social worker’s position of authority was exploited to manipulate and harm a young boy. DI Price stated, “This man was in a position of trust which he exploited to befriend a young boy on the pretext of helping him. Instead, he subjected him to a prolonged series of sexual assaults.”

He further acknowledged the emotional toll on the victim, noting that the crimes occurred over three decades ago but the suffering endured by the victim persisted. DI Price praised the courage of the victim for coming forward and urged others who might have experienced similar abuse to contact the police, regardless of how much time had passed. He reassured the public that all reports would be handled with sensitivity and that justice would be served.

“There is no need to feel embarrassed or afraid – we can and will help,” DI Price said. “It is vital that perpetrators of such heinous crimes, whether current or historic, are brought to justice. No one should have to suffer the kind of abuse inflicted by O’Leary.”