Posted: Fri 12th Sep 2014

Pallial: Former Bryn Estyn Employee Could Have Faced 38 Sex Abuse Charges

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Friday, Sep 12th, 2014

Operation Pallial has informed 19 people who came forward to report allegations of historical abuse that information they provided about a 66-year-old former North Wales children’s home worker ‘would have been supportive’ of a total of 38 offences if he were still alive.

Operation Pallial, an independent National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into recent allegations of abuse in the care system in North Wales, is examining all allegations received, even in cases where potential offenders have since died.

In the first such investigations to be completed, relating to former Bryn Estyn Deputy Headmaster Peter Norman Howarth, who died in HMP Wakefield in April 1997, the NCA passed on files of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Based on the information available, the CPS has confirmed that ‘complaints made by 19 people against Howarth supported offences’, although a ‘Full Code Test’ charging decision could not be made because the suspect could not be interviewed about these allegations.

The offences, ranging from indecent assault to buggery, were all against boys aged between 11 and 12 and between 14 and 16 years old at the time they were alleged to have taken place.

Mr Howarth worked at Bryn Estyn between November 1973 and July 1984. The home has since closed.

Operation Pallial has spoken to all those who reported allegations against Peter Howarth where enquiries are now complete.

A further seven people have yet to be updated because they have made further allegations against live suspects and these enquiries may result in court appearances.

All those who came forward will also be informed in writing of the outcome of enquiries and partner agencies, co-ordinated by Conwy County Borough Council on behalf of all local authorities in North Wales, will continue to offer or provide appropriate support, such as counselling services.

Operation Pallial will take a decision on a case by case basis whether or not to name alleged deceased offenders, following CPS consideration of files.

Today an Operation Pallial spokesperson said: “In reaching a decision, we will consider the views of those who made allegations, the impact on any living relatives of those identified as potential offenders, the occupations of suspects at the time the offences were allegedly committed and any operational and legal matters.”

“On this occasion we have decided to do so. However, we will not be providing any further information about the individual or the allegations now investigated.”

Pallial Investigation Update

A total of 21 people have now been arrested or interviewed under caution by NCA Officers. Of these a total of 12 people have been charged, with the remainder on bail pending further enquiries.

The number of people coming forward to report historical allegations of abuse in the care system in North Wales continues to increase. Up to 21st August 2014, a total of 283 people had reported one or more allegations to us.

Information given to Pallial by 232 people is under active investigation at this time and has resulted in 56 people being identified as potential suspects. Work to identify further potential suspects is continuing.

All living suspects who are charged with offences by Operation Pallial are named, unless there is a legal or operational reason to prevent this from taking place.

Public Contact Information

The email address for members of the public to use to contact Operation Pallial is: [email protected]

The public telephone number for the Incident Room is: 0800 118 1199.



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