PATRICK DUGGAN OF BATTERSEA AND HEREFORD JAILED FOR ABUSE OF BOYS IN CHILDREN'S HOMES

In August 1998, Patrick Duggan, a 49-year-old care worker, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys. Duggan's crimes spanned his time working at a children’s home in west London and a residential school located in Herefordshire, where he exploited his position of trust to prey on vulnerable children.

Judge David McEvoy delivered a stern verdict, condemning Duggan for his egregious breach of trust. The judge emphasized that Duggan had assumed a parental role in the lives of these boys, only to manipulate and abuse that trust for his own sexual gratification. The court heard that many of these boys had already been starved of affection and emotional support at home, making Duggan’s actions particularly devastating. Instead of providing care and comfort, he exploited their need for affection, using gifts as a means to lure them into private spaces where he committed his crimes.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of Duggan’s methods. It was established that he would buy presents for his victims before molesting them in his staff bedroom or in a toilet block. Court testimony also described how Duggan forced some boys to lie on the floor of his room and listen to the screams of a third boy whom he was abusing, creating a terrifying environment of intimidation and control.

During the two-week trial, one of Duggan’s victims, who bravely testified, attempted to attack him in court. This individual recounted how the abuse had left him unable to bathe his own children, illustrating the profound and lasting impact of Duggan’s actions. Another victim, who had suffered abuse at Duggan’s hands, later became a rent boy, highlighting the long-term consequences of the exploitation.

Prosecutor Joan Butler, QC, described Duggan’s predatory behavior, noting that he targeted vulnerable boys and silenced them through threats. She explained that Duggan would threaten to transfer victims to other homes, away from their families, effectively isolating and intimidating them. Butler emphasized that Duggan was supposed to protect these children but instead took advantage of their immaturity, vulnerability, and confusion.

The police investigation was initiated after a victim involved in the North Wales sex abuse inquiry identified Duggan as his abuser. West Mercia Police appealed for information on the BBC’s Crimewatch program, which led to additional victims coming forward and corroborating the allegations.

Duggan, who resided in Battersea, south London, denied 23 charges of indecent assault, buggery, and attempted buggery. After more than 10 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted him on 10 counts of indecent assault, six of buggery, and one of attempted buggery. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on six other similar charges, which were left on file. Duggan also pleaded guilty to an additional four counts of indecent assault and three counts of buggery, solidifying his criminal record for these grave offenses.