Abused trio may mount private prosecution

THREE girls who claim their lives were shattered by severe and prolonged abuse may mount a private prosecution, it has emerged.

A 162-page social work report released on Friday charted a catalogue of physical and sexual abuse of the girls in the Western Isles over more than a decade.

Now it is understood the girls are considering mounting legal action against their alleged abusers even though charges against them were dropped.

In 2003, nine people from Lewis and parts of England were charged with serious sex offences involving the girls, aged under 16, following statements from them and their mother, but prosecutors decided not to proceed with the case.

The Social Work Inspection Agency's (SWIA) report found that despite the children telling other adults what was happening to them, they suffered "severe and prolonged abuse".

It is now understood that Western Isles Council is to contact lawyers on behalf of the girls, who were born in England in 1989, 1991 and 1993.

Malcolm Smith, head of the Western Isles social work department, said: "We should have taken action sooner to protect the girls. The children have been put in touch with legal representation and, in circumstances like this, we see the provision of independent legal advice as part of our duty of care."

The report states that between 1990 and 2000, a total of 222 health concerns and allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and neglect towards the children were recorded. During that period, almost 100 professionals provided services to the family in England or the Western Isles and 29 child protection case conferences were held about the trio.

The eldest girl was first placed on the child protection register in 1990, and the names of all three were almost continuously on registers in England and the Western Isles until they were placed with foster families.

Alasdair Morrison, MSP for the Western Isles, said he hoped the girls would take legal action. "If the girls and their legal team decide to pursue a private prosecution that would be welcomed, because there are people who have abused the children and have never seen the consequences of their heinous crimes in a court of law," he said.

The main suspect in the case is also reportedly intending to sue for damages over the SWIA report, which exposed his previous conviction for indecently assaulting a nine-year-old. He claims to have suffered a broken jaw in an assault as a result of the allegations made against him.

Another couple arrested in Lewis and later released said they were also keen to pursue legal action. "We will be speaking to our solicitor for advice," said Susan Sellwood, whose husband John was one of the accused.