RAYMOND MONGAN AND ALFRED SPRAGGON EXPOSED FOR ABUSE AT NEWCASTLE AND WALLSEND ORPHANAGE

In a significant development in the fight against historic child abuse, two men, Raymond Mongan and Alfred Spraggon, have been held accountable for their heinous actions committed decades ago at an orphanage in Newcastle. The case highlights the long-lasting impact of abuse and the importance of perseverance in seeking justice.

Raymond Mongan, who resided on The Crescent in Wallsend, and Alfred Spraggon, living on Shipley Avenue in Newcastle, both volunteered their time at St Vincent’s Orphanage during their youth. Their roles within the orphanage gave them access and trust among vulnerable children, which they exploited for their own depraved purposes. Over the years, both men engaged in acts of abuse that have left scars on their victims for a lifetime.

The first victim to come forward was brave enough to report the abuse to police in 2002. This individual recounted the suffering inflicted by Mongan, but at that time, investigators found the evidence insufficient to proceed with charges. The case remained unresolved for years, but the story did not end there. In 2016, a second victim stepped forward, providing additional details and names of other potential victims, which reignited the investigation.

Thanks to this renewed effort, law enforcement officials uncovered a total of six victims who had suffered at the hands of Mongan. The revelations prompted a thorough investigation, culminating in the arrest of Mongan in January 2019. At that time, Mongan was 85 years old. During the investigation, authorities also identified Spraggon as a suspect. Spraggon, now aged 78, was subsequently linked to the abuse allegations.

In June 2020, Mongan appeared before Newcastle Crown Court and pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child, relating to six victims. His admission of guilt marked a significant step in delivering justice for those harmed. Conversely, Spraggon initially denied the charges but was later found guilty by a jury on Wednesday of one count of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child.

It is also noted that three of the victims have since passed away, unable to witness the legal proceedings and the eventual justice served. Both Mongan and Spraggon have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court in May. The case underscores the enduring importance of listening to victims and pursuing justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.