Former children’s workers who worked at a Lambeth children’s home in the 1970s jailed for indecent assault
Two former children’s home workers have been jailed after they were found guilty of sexually abusing three boys aged under 13, nearly 50 years after their offences.
The two men were convicted of assaulting boys at a Lambeth children’s home in the 1970s, after a seven-week trial at Inner London Crown Court which ended in February.
Bernard Collins, 73, of Worcester Road, Sutton, was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault. He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment on Tuesday, April 23.
Patrick Grant, 69, of Partridge Road, Cardiff, was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on Thursday, April 11.
The abuse was committed against three boys who were in the care of Grant and Collins while residents at children’s homes in Lambeth, Kingston and Cardiff.
Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command under Operation Trinity launched an investigation after a victim came forward to speak to police in 2014.
As enquiries progressed, another victim disclosed that he was indecently assaulted by Grant and Collins when he was a resident at Fircroft Children’s Home, Kingston, in 1976, aged just 11.
Both men were charged with indecent assault on April 23 last year.
During the trial, the court heard that between 1976 and 1989, three boys aged between 10 and 13 were abused when in the care of local authorities and residents at:
- Rowan House, Shirley Oaks Children’s Home, Lambeth.
- Walker House Children’s Home, Llanishen, South Wales
- Fircroft Children’s Home, Kingston.
Detective Sergeant Paul Pringle from the Met’s Operation Trinity said: “This is a case which dates back more than 40 years, but despite the length of time since the incidents, these men will now face justice for the appalling crime they committed.
“Grant and Collins abused their positions of trust within the care homes and exploited the trust placed upon them. “The victims have had to live their lives carrying the trauma and lasting effects of the abuse imposed on them by Grant and Collins at such young ages.
“They have shown great courage in coming forward to police and reporting the horrific abuse they endured. “I hope the conviction brings them some measure of closure and I would urge anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse to contact police. Specially trained officers will be there to support you.”
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