RICHARD CAREY'S CRIME IN SINFIN: DERBYSHIRE CHILD SEX ABUSE SCANDAL REVEALS DEVASTATION

In September 2013, a deeply disturbing case of child sexual abuse emerged from Sinfin, Derby, involving a social worker named Richard Carey. The victim, a woman who cannot be named publicly, recounted the traumatic events that have haunted her for years, beginning when she was just 14 years old.

She revealed that her ordeal took place at Moorfield Children’s Home in Sinfin, where Carey was employed as a social worker. The woman, referred to as “M,” described how Carey’s abuse left her with lasting emotional scars that continue to affect her life today. Her account detailed how the trauma has made her extremely protective of her children, to the point of refusing to allow her husband to bathe or change their infant daughter. This overprotectiveness, rooted in her harrowing experience, ultimately contributed to the breakdown of her marriage.

On a significant development in the case, it was disclosed that the woman had reached a settlement with Derbyshire County Council, which managed the children’s home at the time of the abuse. She was awarded a compensation package of £15,000, a sum that she described as a step toward healing and moving forward. The woman, known only as “M,” shared her ongoing struggles and how the abuse has profoundly impacted her mental health, necessitating continued counseling.

Her ordeal came to light after the incident, which she recounted happened on Christmas Day when she was watching television. Carey, who had been working at the home for a long time and whose wife was one of the senior staff members, sat beside her and committed the abuse. The trial later revealed that Carey attempted to conceal his actions by placing a blanket over himself and “M” during the assault. He was convicted of multiple sexual offenses, including the abuse of “M,” and sentenced to eight years in prison approximately ten years after the incident.

Following her abuse, “M” described her life as “hell,” emphasizing the difficulty she faced in the aftermath. She explained that her lack of support and the prevailing cover-up at the time made her feel isolated and betrayed. She recounted how no one believed her initially, and the environment at Moorfield Children’s Home was such that her allegations were dismissed or ignored. She expressed her frustration at the systemic failure to protect her and others, highlighting the importance of having trusted representation when making such serious accusations.

“It was horrible. I was treated like a leper,” she said, describing how male staff members avoided her out of fear she would accuse them of misconduct. Her social life and daily activities were severely restricted, and she left the home about three months after the incident, feeling unable to stay there any longer. Her decision to seek compensation was driven by her desire to find some closure and support her ongoing recovery. Although legal restrictions at the time prevented her from pursuing her case earlier, recent changes in law now allow victims of historical abuse to seek justice.

Remarkably, the council was cooperative in her case. They initially offered her £5,000, which she declined, and subsequently increased their offer to £15,000, which she accepted. She expressed gratitude for the council’s apology and their willingness to settle, viewing the compensation as a vital step toward rebuilding her life. She hopes her story will inspire others to come forward and seek help, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse.

In response, a Derbyshire County Council spokesperson issued a statement condemning the actions of Richard Carey. They acknowledged that such misconduct should never have occurred and assured the public that significant improvements have been made in safeguarding children since the 1980s. The council also expressed their support for “M” and their commitment to providing ongoing assistance as she continues her journey of recovery. They reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in their care, emphasizing that the behavior of Carey was entirely unacceptable and not representative of the standards they uphold today.