PENSIONER WHO WORKED IN EAST BELFAST CHILDREN'S HOME JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING BOYS IN 1980S
A North Belfast pensioner aged 84 was jailed for 11 years for historic child abuse offences.George Hendry, of Serpentine Parade, was found guilty in October by a jury at Belfast Crown Court of four counts of indecent assault and two of abusing a boy under the age of 16.
The charges spanned a 14-week period between November 14, 1980 and February 20, 1981.
The offences were committed while Hendry worked as deputy manager at Palmerston Assessment Centre in East Belfast.
The PAC was part of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board network of children's homes.
These centres acted as initial points of contact or assessment for children needing social care, providing a place for evaluation before further placements.
The trial heard Hendry sometimes worked the night shift at PAC where he was the sole member of staff on duty during which much of the horrendous abuse took place over 40 years ago.
The victim, aged 15 at the time, reported that the sexual assaults took place in his bedroom when Hendry forced himself upon the young boy either in bed or while having a bath.
Hendry threatened the boy not to speak about what was happening to him or he would be 'sent to Rathgael', a training school for young people in Bangor, Co Down.
The jury heard that when the victim cried out in pain during the abuse, Hendry would tell him to 'shut up'.
Judge Catherine Chasemore said at Monday's sentencing hearing the aggravating factors were the age of the injured party, the defendant was in a position of trust, and the repeated nature of the offending.
She noted that Hendry still denies the offences and showed no remorse, despite the victim now suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The court also heard Hendry had previous convictions for similar offences dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s but never received a custodial sentence.
Judge Chasemore remarked that his offending warranted a custodial sentence due to its seriousness and high harm involved.
Hendry was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely but was not subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
