ROGER SAINT FROM CEFNDDWYSARN: SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL IN NORTH WALES AND LONDON

In May 1997, a disturbing case of child abuse involving Roger Saint from Cefnddwysarn near Bala, North Wales, has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a major review of foster care regulations across the country.

Saint was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Chester Crown Court after being found guilty on ten counts of indecent assault. The court heard that over a period of 13 years, Saint engaged in persistent and calculated sexual abuse of boys placed in his care, a revelation that has shocked the public and authorities alike.

The case has uncovered a deeply troubling failure within the child welfare system. Despite Saint’s criminal record from 25 years prior, social workers and local authorities continued to place children in his foster care. In 1988, he was approved to foster four children from Tower Hamlets in east London. Later, in 1991, he fostered another four children from North Yorkshire. Additional placements included a child from Greenwich in south London and another from North Tyneside. All these authorities were aware of his past conviction for indecent assault on a 12-year-old boy but concluded that he no longer posed a threat to children.

Saint’s criminal history, which dates back to 1972, was known to social workers and officials in each jurisdiction. Yet, despite this knowledge, he was deemed suitable to care for vulnerable children. The court was told that Saint’s wife, Carol, was also involved in the abuse, and that authorities had continued to send children into their care even after being informed of his previous conviction.

The case came to light after two men reported Saint to social services in Wrexham in March of the previous year. An extensive investigation lasting ten months followed, involving over 400 lines of inquiry. The investigation revealed the extent of the abuse and led to Saint’s arrest. The case is now under review by the North Wales child abuse tribunal, which is examining allegations involving up to 200 children at various homes in the area.

Michael Farmer QC, representing the prosecution, emphasized the gravity of the case, describing it as “wicked beyond belief.” The judge condemned Saint’s actions as “persistent and determined,” highlighting the breach of trust and the profound harm caused to the victims.

In response to this scandal, government officials have expressed their outrage and announced plans to tighten regulations governing foster care and adoption. Paul Boateng, the health minister responsible for child care, stated that the government would introduce emergency regulations to close legal loopholes that allowed Saint to care for children despite his criminal record. He emphasized that no child should be placed in the care of known abusers, and vowed that such cases would not be tolerated in the future.

This case has exposed significant flaws in the child protection system and has prompted calls for urgent reform to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.