JAMES CRUICKSHANK BOYES SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN EAST SUSSEX FOR CARE HOME ABUSE

In May 2011, James Cruickshank Boyes, a former care worker from Monkton, Kent, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual abuse committed at Frant Court Children’s Home in East Sussex during the 1980s. Boyes, aged 56 at the time, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and 13 counts of indecent assault involving teenage girls at the facility. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life.

Brighton Crown Court described Boyes as a "monster". Judge Paul Tain stated, "I can't imagine a case of this type where the impact on the victims could be any greater. It’s inconceivable that anyone could see a greater abuse of trust in the real world than that you have engaged in."

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that among the victims, one aged between 14 and 17, Boyes abused twice; this girl attempted suicide, and another is now receiving treatment in a mental hospital.

As a key worker at Frant Court, a home that closed a decade ago, Boyes was responsible for girls who were often already victims of sexual abuse. Many of these girls were under his care when he committed the offenses.

Boyes was first arrested in April 2002. However, he fled following a court hearing in July of that year. Police only managed to apprehend him in September after the case was featured on Crimewatch.

In court on March 30 this year, Boyes admitted to all charges. Sussex Police’s Detective Sergeant Julie Dow commented, "His victims were in a care system where they should have been protected, but Boyes exploited their vulnerability for his own gratification."