PHILLIP DUNNE FROM RIPON AND WORCESTER SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AT NORTH YORKSHIRE BARNARDO'S HOME

In December 1998, a former employee of a Barnardo's residential facility in North Yorkshire was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison for heinous acts of child abuse. The individual, identified as Phillip Anthony Dunne, was found guilty of exploiting vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification during the period from 1967 to 1974.

Judge Arthur Myerson presided over the case at York Crown Court, delivering a stern judgment against Dunne, who was 52 years old at the time of sentencing and residing in Worcester. As Dunne was led away from the courtroom, a number of his victims and their family members expressed their anguish and anger by shouting abuse, highlighting the emotional toll of the case. The children's charity Barnardo's issued a statement expressing its devastation over the revelations and the suffering endured by those affected.

The investigation into Dunne's actions was initiated after a former resident of the Spring Hill Barnardo's Home in Ripon, North Yorkshire, came forward with allegations. This facility was known for caring for children with behavioral and learning difficulties. The police launched a comprehensive inquiry, which culminated in Dunne's arrest in June of the same year. During the investigation, Dunne admitted to 14 counts of indecent assault, three counts of serious sexual assault, and two counts of cruelty to children, involving 12 boys and one girl aged between six and 15. An additional eight charges were left on file, indicating ongoing or unresolved allegations.

Prosecutor James Spencer QC detailed the disturbing pattern of abuse, revealing that Dunne's misconduct began almost immediately after he joined the home in 1967. The court heard that Dunne sought to establish dominance over the children through violence and emotional manipulation, aiming to engage them in sexual activities without fear of repercussions. Spencer emphasized that Dunne was successful in his manipulations during his tenure at the home.

Despite lacking formal qualifications in child care, Dunne rose to the position of senior house parent at the facility. The court was told that he subjected boys to cold baths, forced them to strip in front of others, and physically assaulted them at times. The case also revealed that Dunne himself had been a victim of sexual abuse as a child, a fact highlighted by Nigel Sangster QC, who represented Dunne. Sangster stated that Dunne only recognized the gravity of his actions after marrying in the 1970s and leading what he described as a more productive life afterward. He expressed that Dunne was remorseful and aware of the terrible nature of his past deeds.

Following the sentencing, Billhar Singh Uppal, the victims' solicitor, announced plans to pursue compensation claims on behalf of those affected. Uppal acknowledged the profound impact the abuse had on the victims, noting that many had hesitated to come forward earlier due to feelings of shame and guilt. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, and Barnardo's expressed its heartfelt sympathy to all who suffered at the hands of Dunne, reaffirming its commitment to supporting victims and preventing such abuse in the future.