Carehome worker jailed after trial

Two former children’s home workers have been jailed after they were found guilty of sexually abusing three boys aged under 13 in the 1970s. The two men were convicted on Friday, 22 February after a seven-week trial at Inner London Crown Court. Bernard Collins, 73 of Worcester Road, Sutton was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault. He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment today, Tuesday, 23 April. Patrick Grant, 69 of Partridge Road, Cardiff was found guilty of ten counts of indecent assault. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on Thursday, 11 April. The abuse was committed against three boys who were in the care of Grant and Collins whilst 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 years old. A further victim was also identified as a result of police enquiries. Both men were charged on Monday, 23 April 2018 with indecent assault. 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; Fircroft Childrens Home, Kingston Rowan House, Shirley Oaks Childrens Home, Lambeth Walker House Children’s Home, Llanishen, South Wales. 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 upon 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 today’s 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.”