Two Former Children’s Home Workers Jailed for Decades-Old Child Sex Abuse
Two ex-children’s home workers have been locked up for sexually abusing boys under 13 in the 1970s. After a grim seven-week trial at Inner London Crown Court, Bernard Collins and Patrick Grant were found guilty of multiple indecent assaults.
Paedophiles Exploited Trust in Children’s Homes
Bernard Collins, 73, from Sutton, was convicted of five counts of indecent assault and sentenced to four years in prison on Tuesday, 23 April. Patrick Grant, 69, of Partridge Road, was found guilty of ten counts and handed an eight-year sentence on Thursday, 11 April.
The pair abused three boys in their care at children’s homes across Lambeth, Kingston, and Cardiff between 1976 and 1989. The homes included Fircroft Children’s Home (Kingston), Rowan House, Shirley Oaks Children’s Home (Lambeth), and Walker House Children’s Home (Llanishen, South Wales).
Victims Break Silence Decades Later
The investigation, named Operation Trinity, was triggered after a brave victim came forward in 2014. Police said more survivors followed, describing horrific abuse suffered as children in care.
Detective Sergeant Paul Pringle said: “This case dates back more than 40 years, but finally these men face justice for the appalling crimes they committed. Grant and Collins abused their positions of trust within the care homes and exploited the vulnerable children in their care.”
“The victims have carried trauma and lasting effects all their lives. Their courage in coming forward is commendable. I hope today’s convictions bring them some closure. Anyone who has suffered child sexual abuse should contact the police – specially trained officers are here to support you.”
Sentences Delivered, Justice Served
- Bernard Collins: 4 years imprisonment for 5 counts of indecent assault
- Patrick Grant: 8 years imprisonment for 10 counts of indecent assault
This case sheds light on the dark history of abuse within the UK’s children’s homes and the ongoing fight for victims’ voices to be heard, no matter how much time has passed.
