A businessman who led a paedophile ring in a network of care homes he owned abused 20 “highly vulnerable” children in a reign of terror that spread across four decades, a court heard today.
John Allen, 73, preyed on victims as young as seven at homes in and around Wrexham, north Wales, between 1969 and 1990, Mold Crown Court heard on the opening day of his trial. Allen founded Bryn Alyn Community in 1968 and became managing director creating a portfolio of 11 residential mixed-sex care homes for children.
Most of the abuse is said to have taken place at three homes – Bryn Alyn, Pentre Saeson and Bryn Terion – with his alleged victims, 19 boys and one girl, aged between seven and 15. Eleanor Laws QC, prosecuting, said Allen created “a sexualised atmosphere and a culture of fear” where he could abuse at will with the knowledge and help of others .... http://www.independent.co.uk
