FOSTER CARER FROM WORCESTERSHIRE SENTENCED TO 20 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ABUSE

In February 2010, a foster carer from Redditch, Worcestershire, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing three vulnerable young girls in his care. The man, who was in his seventies and a twice-married grandfather, admitted to six counts of child cruelty, four of indecent assault on children, and three of indecency with a child during proceedings at Hereford Crown Court last October.

Initially, the court imposed a suspended prison sentence, sparking outrage and a review of the case after advice from the Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC. The case was brought back to court last week, leading to a re-sentencing by the Court of Appeal in London.

During the judgment, Lord Justice Pitchford, sitting with Mr Justice Underhill and Mr Justice Lindblom, stated, “There is no indication that the offender is not fit to serve a sentence of imprisonment, nor that appropriate treatment would not be available if necessary. We are dealing with what we regard as a serious case of sexual misconduct by a foster carer against young children over a significant period of years.”

The Worcestershire social services department approved the man as a short-term foster carer in the 1980s. They are now reviewing the case and will prepare a report for the Safeguarding Children’s Board. The man adopted some of the children who came into his care.

Beneath his seemingly caring public image, he subjected his young victims to horrific abuse. He would isolate them in the front room of his home when his wife went shopping, mistreating and sexually abusing them.

The NSPCC had previously investigated him in 1997, but no prosecution followed. Two years later, three of his former foster children reported abuse to police, followed by four others making similar allegations. The charges culminating in his arrest occurred after two female victims came forward in 2009, and a third victim later reported her ordeal.

West Mercia police conducted a 15-month investigation, leading to his arrest on suspicion of child abuse. Although he was suspected early on, formal charges weren’t filed until late 2010. Police initially hesitated to seek prison time, but they are now satisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision.

A police spokesman commented, “We would like to pay tribute to the bravery and strength of character displayed by the victims and witnesses involved in this case and hope that now the proceedings are over it brings them some closure. We wish them all the best.”

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson stated, “We do not comment on individual cases, however since this couple were approved first as carers back in the 1980s and subsequently as adopters, a number of lessons have been learned both nationally and locally. In particular, the way carers and prospective adopters are assessed, approved and monitored has changed with improved good practice guidance and new minimum standards. We have undertaken an internal review to ensure any lessons learned from this case are implemented and a report will be submitted to the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children’s Board.”