Former care workers jailed for abusing children in NI

Two former care workers at a Barnardos home in Northern Ireland were today jailed for abusing and sexually assaulting children.

Margaret Hewitt, 69, formerly of Drain’s Bay, Larne, was sentenced to 11 years at Belfast Crown Court after being found guilty of 53 charges, including indecent assault, gross indecency and assault.

Her co-worker George Anderson, 46, was sentenced to 18 years after being found guilty of 17 charges, including two counts of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency.

The offences were carried out at Macedon Home in Newtown Abbey on the outskirts of Belfast more than 25 years ago.

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Weir described the crimes perpetrated by Hewitt and Anderson as disgraceful.

He criticised Barnardos' management for allowing unqualified people to be in charge of young children.

The judge said: “Making every possible allowance for the difference between residential social work standards then and now, such incompetence and neglect on the part of Barnardos’ then management is difficult to comprehend.”

The charges against Hewitt related to offences committed against eight children between December 1977 and June 1981.

Anderson’s offences involved five children between January 1979 and 1981.

Lynda Wilson, director of Barnardos Northern Ireland, said the charity was pleased that the children who suffered abuse from Hewitt and Anderson had finally seen them brought to justice.

“I along with other Barnardo colleagues attended the court proceedings every day and heard at first hand how the systems at Macedon 25 years ago let some children down.”

She added: “The most important thing is that we listen to what children and young people say and take immediate action if it is necessary.”

Ms Wilson said that people intent on abusing children had shown themselves to be very determined and Barnardos could never be complacent that there was no risk to young people in its care.

She added: “It was important that victims of abuse felt confident in coming forward.

“We know that it takes a great deal of courage to do so. I hope that seeing the perpetrators punished for what they did will give the complainants in this case some comfort,” she added.