2013: FORMER SOCIAL WORKER JAILED FOR ABUSING TEEN FROM DROITWICH CARE HOME
A SOCIAL worker who sexually abused a teenager from a care home more than 30 years ago has been jailed for a total of nine years.Brian O’Leary, aged 66, denied four counts of indecent assault and one of attempting to commit indecent sexual assault between October, 1979 and June, 1980, but was found guilty by a jury at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.
Sentencing O’Leary, Judge Michael Cullum said former colleagues spoke highly of him, but were unaware of his “dark secret” from years ago.
During the trial, the court was told O’Leary took his victim, now aged 50, to his home in Oakland Avenue, close to the care in Ledwych Road, Droitwich.
He carried out sexual acts and later followed the 15-year-old to Hereford in an effort to continue their relationship.
Prosecutor Andrew Wallace described him as “a sexual predator”.
Defence counsel Jason Aris stated there was no background of intimidation or alcohol or drugs involved in the offences.
He acknowledged emotional damage but noted there were no physical threats.
O’Leary’s good reputation for community work was destroyed, he said, and while he had family support, publicity would cause difficulties upon release.
The judge described the teenager as a vulnerable victim, placed in care due to abuse by his own father.
The victim suffered lifelong effects and only came forward seeking an apology.
The judge sentenced O’Leary to nine years for indecent assaults, a four-year concurrent term for attempted indecent sexual assault, and ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
He noted the defendant’s good character but said he had concealed his “dark secret”.
