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
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
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.
Barnardos management for allowing unqualified people to be in charge of young children. Barnardos' then management is difficult to comprehend."