DAVID KENDRICK FROM LICHFIELD AND ROCESTER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD ASSAULTS IN STAFFORDSHIRE CHILDREN'S HOMES

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into historical abuse within Staffordshire's children's care facilities, David Michael Kendrick, a 66-year-old man from Lichfield, has admitted to assaulting two young boys under his supervision during the 1980s. The admissions came during a court session held at Staffordshire Crown Court on a recent Wednesday, where Kendrick pleaded guilty to charges of causing actual bodily harm to the minors.

These disturbing incidents took place while Kendrick was employed as a residential child care officer, working at Stafford and at the now-defunct Riverside Children’s Home located in Rocester, a village near Uttoxeter. The assaults, which have now come to light after decades of silence, are part of a broader investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse at various children’s homes across the county.

The inquiry into these allegations has been ongoing for some time, uncovering a troubling pattern of misconduct spanning many years. Kendrick’s case marks the seventh conviction resulting from this investigation, highlighting the extent of the abuse that was allegedly inflicted upon vulnerable children in these care settings. The revelations have prompted widespread concern and renewed calls for accountability and safeguarding measures within the child care system in Staffordshire.