FORMER BARNET WORKERS CONVICTED OF DECADES OF ABUSE AT PENSHURST SCHOOL
Three former employees of Barnet Council—Colwyn Baker, David Hennessy, and Nigel Putman—were found guilty of a total of 28 historic sexual abuse charges.They worked as residential care officers at Swaylands School in Penshurst, Kent, which was operated by the London Borough of Barnet from 1968 until 1994.
Baker was convicted of 20 sexual offences, Hennessy of six, and Putman of two.
Their victims, primarily boys, were subjected to abuse over many years, with some children being beaten or denied food to keep them silent.
All three men had previous convictions; Hennessy had been convicted in 1993 for indecent assaults and buggery, while Baker had been convicted in 1994 for indecent assaults and gross indecency.
The case involved 65 allegations, including 48 counts related to 24 children.
The defendants denied any guilt, and the victims had to testify about their experiences in court.
Sentencing for the men is upcoming.
The investigation was led by Detective Superintendent Paul Fotheringham, who commended the police efforts.
Swaylands School was originally established for boys with learning difficulties and later catered to those with emotional and behavioral challenges.
