ROBERT ANDERSON AND MARGARET HEWITT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AT MACEDON CHILDREN'S HOME NEAR BELFAST

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the community, two former care workers, Robert Anderson and Margaret Hewitt, have been convicted of heinous child sex crimes committed at the Macedon children's home, located in Newtownabbey on the outskirts of Belfast. The convictions, which stem from a lengthy investigation and court proceedings, resulted in a combined prison sentence totaling 29 years for the pair.

Robert Anderson, aged 46 and originally from Ballycarry but now residing in England, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of 17 separate charges. These charges included indecent assault, two counts of rape, and gross indecency, all committed against five children over a period from January 1979 to June 1981. The severity of his crimes and the number of victims highlight the extent of the abuse that took place during his tenure at the Macedon home.

Margaret Hewitt, aged 69 and formerly of Drain’s Bay, Larne, was handed an 11-year prison term following her conviction on 53 charges. Her offenses included indecent assault, gross indecency, and assault, all committed against eight children between December 1977 and June 1981. The sheer volume of charges and the duration over which the abuse occurred underscore the gravity of her actions and the betrayal of trust placed in her as a care worker.

The majority of these disturbing acts took place within the premises of the Macedon home, a facility that once provided care and shelter to vulnerable children. The home was situated in Newtownabbey, on the grounds now occupied by Hazelbank Park along the shores of Belfast Lough. The Macedon home was closed and subsequently demolished in 1981, but the scars left by these crimes remain deeply embedded in the memories of survivors and the community.

During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Weir described the crimes committed by Hewitt and Anderson as “disgraceful,” condemning their actions and the failure of the system that allowed such abuse to occur. He also criticized Barnardo’s management for their role in permitting unqualified individuals to care for children, highlighting a significant lapse in safeguarding standards of that era. The judge remarked, “Making every possible allowance for the difference between residential social work standards then and now, such incompetence and neglect on the part of Barnardo’s then management is difficult to comprehend.”

Several survivors came forward to share their experiences and express relief that justice has been served. Liz Johnstone, who waived her right to anonymity, recounted her ordeal, stating, “It is a great sensation knowing they are sent down and they cannot harm any more children.” Similarly, Sandra Knowles, another survivor who was raped by Anderson, reflected on her journey to reclaim her control, saying, “I will never forget what he did to me. But at least I have got my control back.”

Barnardo’s Northern Ireland, represented by director Linda Wilson, expressed their satisfaction that the victims finally saw justice. She emphasized the systemic failures of the past, stating, “The systems failed those children and clearly failed them.” Wilson also highlighted the importance of victims feeling confident to come forward, acknowledging the courage required to do so and expressing hope that the punishment of the perpetrators would bring some measure of comfort to the survivors.

Political figures, including Patricia Lewsley of the SDLP, welcomed the sentences, viewing them as a necessary step towards accountability and healing for the affected individuals and the community at large. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.