CARE WORKER PHILIP ANTHONY DUNNE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AT BARNARDO'S HOME
A Midland man has been jailed for 11 years for abusing young children in his care at a Barnardo's home.Computer manager Philip Anthony Dunne, of Checketts Lane, Worcester, was said to have lived in fear for 25 years knowing the crimes he committed against 13 children would eventually be exposed.
Married father-of-four Dunne (52), originally from Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to 19 charges of assault during seven years.
At York Crown Court, Judge Arthur Myerson condemned his crimes, stating they were wicked and had a terrible effect on the victims.
Dunne, who started working at the home in 1967 without formal child care qualifications, abused children by establishing control through violence or emotional grooming, then using that control to sexually abuse them.
His behavior had a lasting impact, and he was promoted to senior house parent.
He admitted to 14 charges of indecent assault, three of serious sexual assault, and two of cruelty to children relating to 12 boys and one girl aged between six and 15.
The prosecution highlighted that Dunne had sought to abuse children when he liked, and at the time of his arrest, he was living a 'productive, decent and law-abiding life' since stopping his behavior in 1973 after realizing it was wrong, influenced by his own past abuse as a teenager.
Dunne's arrest followed a police inquiry triggered by allegations from former residents.
Victims and their families shouted abuse as Dunne was led away.
The case profoundly affected the community and Barnardo's organization, which expressed devastation and said it had implemented measures to prevent future abuse.
Police and Barnardo's officials noted the significance of the case as a tragedy and a breach of trust, emphasizing the ongoing process for victims to recover and seek justice.
