JOHN CHRISTIAN ABUSER FROM AIGBURTH AND WOOLTON SENT TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has spanned over a decade, a man from Wavertree, Liverpool, who was a victim of childhood abuse at the hands of John Christian, continues to await the final installment of his compensation payout, despite Christian having been incarcerated since 1998.

John Christian, a former resident and worker at the children’s home in Woolton, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against young boys, including the victim from Wavertree who first came forward in 1990. It was only after an eight-year legal process that Christian, then aged 55, was finally brought to justice in 1998, receiving an 11-year prison sentence for abusing 13 boys.

The victim from Wavertree, who was just six and seven years old at the time of the abuse, was placed in the care of the children’s home at Knolle Park, operated by the religious order known as the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. This placement followed a family crisis that led him and his siblings into state care. He was among a total of 11 victims pursuing compensation for the abuse suffered while under the care of this religious organization.

Despite reaching a settlement agreement after extensive negotiations and legal disputes between the charity’s trustees and the victims’ legal representatives, the victim is still waiting to receive the remaining £10,345 of his £15,000 compensation. The delay is primarily due to ongoing legal costs, which are expected to be covered mostly by the religious order, although some expenses may be passed on to the victims themselves.

Christian’s criminal activities came to light when he was convicted in 1998, with many of his victims, including the Wavertree man, watching from the public gallery as he was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The court heard that Christian, who had lived at the Woolton convent for approximately 20 years starting in 1969 as an odd-job man, had pleaded guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault against boys aged five to 15.

His pattern of abuse was described as thoroughly disgusting by the judge, who emphasized the lasting impact on the victims. Christian’s history of misconduct also includes a separate conviction for indecent assault on three boys aged between six and 15, for which he received an additional 18 months to be served consecutively.

Christian’s employment at the children’s home began in the 1960s, following a request from the nuns after a successful day trip to a bowling alley, where he was asked to visit the children. His role at the home, which he held for about two decades, was marred by the abuse he inflicted on vulnerable children, leaving scars that many victims continue to carry.

Today, the victims, including the man from Wavertree, remain committed to seeking justice and recognition for the suffering they endured, even as the legal and financial processes continue to unfold. The case highlights the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse and the ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, especially within institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable children.