FOSTER CARERS WHO KEPT CHILDREN IN 'HOUSE OF HORRORS' GUILTY OF ABUSE
A couple who kept one of their foster children in a chicken coop have been convicted of childhood cruelty.Douglas Daniel, 80, and wife Barbara, 75, tormented six foster children aged between four and 14 at their home in Glasgow's Parkhead between 1986 and 1991.
Victims claimed the pair forced some children into an animal pen, ordered one to bathe in a bird bath, and made another eat a cow tongue meant for a pet ferret.
The couple, now residing in Kent, England, denied the allegations but were found guilty of six charges of cruel and unnatural treatment of a child at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Louise Arrol described the abuse as 'unspeakable' and said their home had become 'nothing short of a house of horrors.' During the trial, victims recounted being locked in a chicken coop, forced into animal pens, and subjected to other forms of abuse, including physical violence and neglect.
Sentencing was deferred until March for background reports, and their bail was maintained.
The sheriff condemned their actions, emphasizing the motive to provide a safe environment contrasted with the reality of the cruelty inflicted.
