Campaigners Hail "Powerful" Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse at Nottinghamshire Councils

By Dan Robinson
Nottingham Post
November 27, 2015

http://www.nottinghampost.com/Campaigners-hail-powerful-investigation-child/story-28255044-detail/story.html

Mickey Summers has campaigned for justice

Campaigners have welcomed a "powerful" announcement that Nottinghamshire councils will be investigated over historic child sexual abuse claims at care homes.

Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council will be scrutinised over alleged "failings to protect children in [their] care or supervision".

Justice Lowell Goddard, chairwoman of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, said in a speech yesterday the alleged victims would have the chance to make their voices heard in an investigation of "unprecedented" scale.

A number of allegations of historic abuse in children's homes, previously operated by councils and other organisations, have been made, dating back to the 1950s.

Mickey Summers, 62, who claims he suffered sexual abuse at city children's homes in the 1960s, said: "This is what we've fought for and the councils will have no choice but to co-operate.

"I've been to hell and back but I move forward in the hope that all the survivors in Nottinghamshire finally find peace and justice."

A number of legal cases, both criminal and civil, are under way in the county. Operation Daybreak, which was launched in 2011, is investigating more than 100 criminal allegations involving more than 100 victims. Operation Xeres is investigating similar allegations in north Nottinghamshire and was launched in 2014.

The two councils will form one part of 12 separate investigations, starting immediately, across the UK to form the first phase of the inquiry.

In a press conference, Justice Goddard said the inquiry will consider allegations of cover-up and conspiracy and review the adequacy of law enforcement responses to these allegations".

She added: "The scale of child sexual abuse in this country requires urgent and careful attention."S

"We are determined to succeed and expect full co-operation of all institutions and individuals who can assist us in our work."

Campaigner Lt Col David Hollis called the announcement "powerful".

Jo Butler, director of the Nottingham-based Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors group, added: "Survivors' voices need to be heard because their stories and pain are very real so let's hope this gives them the vehicle they need."

In a joint statement by county council chief executive Anthony May and city council chief executive Ian Curryer, they pledged to "fully engage" with the investigation.

"From the outset, we have taken these allegations seriously," they said. "The safety and well-being of children in our care today must be, and is, of the highest priority."

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping added: "This is a huge step in the right direction and I'm really grateful that the Goddard team has listened to our appeals for Nottinghamshire to become part of the national inquiry.

"I have met a good many of the survivors and they have impressed upon me the importance of this inquiry and their wish to have the opportunity to tell their story and to have that story heard."

Mr Tipping called for survivors to come forward with their stories.

Chief constable Chris Eyre added: "I am confident that the inquiry will allow them a voice without compromising the ongoing and extremely complex criminal investigations and criminal justice proceedings."