Former children’s homes boss accused of 49 sex offences after 14 new allegations

December 2013

Having recently featured on BBC and ITV Wales in respect of successful claims brought against Cardiff Council in relation to a school in South Wales, I am saddened to read of yet another abuse scandal to have occurred in North Wales.

The former boss of children’s homes has been accused of a string of new sex abuse allegations.

John Allen has been charged with 14 new allegations including rape, indecent assault and a serious sexual offence.

A court was told that another eight alleged victims had come forward, bring the total to 23.

Allen, 72, was remanded on conditional bail after the hearing Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday and his defence barrister indicated he would deny the offences which now total 49.

The charges span from 1968 to 1991 and involve both men and women.

Allen, of Ipswich, was the head and founder of the Bryn Alyn Community which at one time ran a number of children’s homes in North Wales.

The original charges involved 15 complainants aged between seven and 15 at the time.

He was arrested by officers from Operation Pallial, probing allegations of historical child abuse in North Wales.

The National Crime Agency said: ”These additional offences allegedly took place against seven boys and one girl, aged between 12 and 15 years old, and are believed to have taken place between 1972 and 1991.”

If you or somebody you know were subject to abuse please do not hesitate to contact Charles Derham our specialist child abuse solicitor. We will treat any communications with the strictest of confidence.

Click here to enquire online or call 023 9298 1000

About

Charles has considerable specialist experience in pursuing claims for compensation for those who have been abused in childhood. His specific expertise means that he is recognised locally, nationally and internationally for his work which has taken him all over the world including, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

He is also recognised for his significant involvement in the high profile litigation against St Georges School (Anglemoss Limited) and Cyntwell High School. These cases involved a staggering number of individuals who pursued those responsible whom despite heavily defending the claims brought against them settled by way of out of court settlements.

Charles regularly features in local and national press and he is often asked to provide his professional opinion and commentary on relevant abuse law issues and developments on radio and television broadcasts. Such broadcasts include BBC South Today, BBC Wales, ITV and ITN News.

Charles is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

You can follow Charles on Twitter and Facebook.

Biography

Charles obtained his Law degree at Kingston University, before successfully completing his Legal Practice Course. He trained and qualified with Verisona Law beginning his specialism in the field of child abuse claims. He received his higher rights of Audience in 2012 making him one of the youngest Solicitor-Advocates in the country who is able to represent his clients in the High Court. Charles is head of the abuse team who collectively have secured compensation for hundreds of victims of abuse.

He began diversifying in to other aspects of abuse law and his team are one of the very few in the country who specialise in claims against social services.

He is involved in complex group action litigation and also represents a number of individuals and who are pursuing private companies, local authorities and perpetrators in pursuit of their justice.

Charles has strong contacts with some of the most prominent barristers who advise on abuse claims including a number of QC’s. He also has robust connections with highly qualified expert witnesses he instructs in support of those who he represents.

Expertise

Child abuse claims
Claims against social services
Complex/Catastrophic Clinical Negligence claims

Testimonials

"Thank you for all your much appreciated hard work. I will truly never forget your kindness towards me. Your patience, respect and understanding at all times was beyond words. The sincere compassion shown meant more to me than words could ever express. This firm will forever hold a special place in my heart."

Anonymous