Three men have been jailed for 28 indecent assaults against boys at Swaylands School, a school for vulnerable children.
The men, 73 year old David Hennessy, 70 year old Colwyn Baker and 61 year old Nigel Putman were charged with more than 50 counts of abuse at Swaylands School in Kent over a 26 year period. Baker was sentenced to 20 years in prison for 20 offences, Hennessy was jailed for 12 years for six offences and Putman sentenced to three years for two offences.
In May 2014, child abuse lawyer, Deborah Corcoran appealed for victims to come forward in confidence. Representing one of the victims of abuse at Swaylands School she praised the bravery of her client in coming forward whose statement to the police led to the arrest of his abusers.
Sentencing the men at Maidstone Crown Court Judge Philip Statman said: “This is one of the worst possible breaches of trust a court can deal with.” He praised the victims for their “Courage, dignity and restraint”.
Swaylands School, which was run by Barnet Council in north London, was a residential facility for boys with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
It was closed in 1994, 18 months after the council and Kent Police became aware of allegations of sexual abuse of students at the school by two staff members.
If you need advice in relation to any allegation of abuse please call 0845 604 7075 in confidence or email Deborah at deborah.corcoran@simpsonmillar.co.uk.