SARA MCDERMOTT, MARGARET HUGHES AND EILEEN IGOE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AT SMYLLUM PARK ORPHANAGE IN LANARK

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into historical child abuse, three women—Sarah McDermott, Margaret Hughes, and Eileen Igoe—have been sentenced to three years in prison each for their roles in the mistreatment and abuse of children at Smyllum Park orphanage in Lanark.

Sarah McDermott, aged 79, was convicted of multiple acts of cruelty, including force-feeding children, making one child eat their own vomit, and physically assaulting a boy by striking him on the head and body. Her actions, as detailed during the trial, paint a disturbing picture of the environment within the orphanage, which was supposed to be a safe haven for vulnerable children but instead became a place of fear and violence.

Eileen Igoe, also 79, was found guilty of eight charges, five of which involved cruel and unnatural treatment of children, and three of assault. Her offenses included repeatedly force-feeding a girl until she vomited, forcing another girl to eat her vomit, and physically assaulting boys by striking them and knocking them to the ground. The court heard that Igoe’s conduct was marked by repeated violence and abuse, with her actions contributing to a culture of fear and suffering among the children.

Margaret Hughes, aged 76, was convicted of three charges, including striking a girl with her hand, forcing her to eat against her will, and kicking her repeatedly over a dispute involving a box of matches. She was also found guilty of assaulting a boy by seizing him by the hair and striking him. The court noted her significant health issues and mental health concerns, but emphasized that her actions at the orphanage were serious and contributed to the overall climate of abuse.

All three women were members of the Catholic charitable order, the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul, which operated Smyllum House in Lanark from 1969 until its closure in 1981. The orphanage has long been under scrutiny due to allegations of physical and sexual abuse, with evidence from 2017 revealing that at least 400 children who died there are buried in unmarked graves. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in 2018 detailed the extent of the physical and sexual violence inflicted on children, including beatings with leather straps, hairbrushes, and crucifixes.

During the sentencing hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court, Sheriff Scott Pattison addressed the gravity of the crimes committed. He highlighted that although the offenses occurred decades ago, the impact on survivors has been lifelong and traumatic. The judge emphasized that the women, despite their ages and health issues, had failed in their duty of care and had contributed to a place described as one of “fear, threat, and excessive discipline,” where children received no love, compassion, dignity, or comfort.

In his remarks, Sheriff Pattison stated that the crimes were serious and that custodial sentences were necessary to serve as a deterrent. He acknowledged that had these offenses been reported and prosecuted in the 1970s, the women might have faced high court sentences due to the severity and persistence of their conduct. The court also considered social work reports, which indicated that while the women posed a low risk of reoffending, their actions at the time were egregious and in breach of their trust.

Sarah McDermott, who was in her mid-20s when she began her role at Smyllum, was found guilty of five charges of cruelty and unnatural treatment. The court noted her repeated assaults on children, including striking with rosary beads, coat hangers, and throwing brushes. Margaret Hughes, who was 22 at the time of her offenses, was convicted of three charges, including kicking a girl and assaulting a boy. Eileen Igoe, aged 32 when she committed her offenses, was found guilty of multiple assaults and acts of cruelty, including force-feeding and physical violence.

Despite their denials of responsibility, the court recognized the seriousness of their actions and the breach of trust involved. The judge emphasized that their conduct was clearly beyond what could be considered reasonable discipline, and that their positions of authority made their actions particularly damaging. The sentences reflect a balance between punishment, deterrence, and consideration of their age and health, with the court noting that the crimes would likely have resulted in custodial sentences had they been prosecuted at the time.

In conclusion, the court’s decision underscores the enduring impact of the abuse inflicted at Smyllum Park orphanage and sends a clear message that such conduct, regardless of when it occurred, will be met with appropriate legal consequences. The victims, now in their 50s and 60s, have endured lifelong trauma, and the sentences aim to acknowledge their suffering and uphold justice for the wrongs committed within the walls of Smyllum in Lanark.