Hesley Group abuse scandal: Staff cleared despite 95 alleged cases of child neglect
No charges will be brought against staff accused of abusing 95 vulnerable children at Hesley Group residential special school, near Doncaster, following a four-year police investigation.
A national safeguarding review had found that residents faced ‘systemic and sustained’ abuse and neglect at three children’s homes run by the Hesley Group.
Two of the homes were super-sized and housed numerous vulnerable children – many of whom had disabilities and were non-verbal and were living far away from home.
Reported abuses:
- Physical assaults: Children were punched, kicked in the stomach, and locked outside naked.
- Emotional and psychological abuse: Staff allegedly fed children chili flakes, left them in soiled clothes, and poured vinegar on open wounds.
- Neglect and oversight failures: Over 100 documented incidents (2018-2021), with Ofsted reportedly being alerted 40 times, yet maintaining a ‘good’ rating for the homes.
Two years before the closure of the site, several emails were sent to the then-chief executive Chris McSharry sharing concerns of a ‘culture of institutional abuse’.
In addition, members of the public who begged and pleaded for help when reporting abuse at Fullerton House were met with inaction from the Hesley Group management.
Survivor testimony: Oliver’s story
A brave survivor, named Oliver, was placed with Hesley in 2019 and has complex needs and autism.
Oliver’s Mother, Maria, would often visit and find him with no underwear and unexplained bruises. She was informed that a witness had seen staff strangle her son during a school trip.
An officer told her that her son is one of more than 100 young people feared to have been harmed in placements which charged local authorities around £250,000 to care for each young person.
The investigation findings and verdict
In October 2022, an expert panel found the children suffered ‘severe abuse and neglect’ in their homes. Stating it was ‘profoundly shocking’ that this could have occurred in ‘plain sight’ of multiple public agencies.
South Yorkshire Police has already concluded 95 cases. Unfortunately, informing families that no charges would be filed against employees who are alleged to have abused their position, due to evidentiary challenge.
The force stated that 11 cases in this incredibly complex and sensitive investigation remain ongoing.
Adding, that they will remain committed to considering all available data and anticipate its conclusions in the coming weeks.
DCI Rebecca Hodgman said:
“Everyone at the heart of our investigation is under safeguarded protection, and they and their families continue to be at the forefront of our minds as we continue this work.”
Public reaction and calls for justice
As a result of this judgment, many people now doubt the responsibility of individuals in charge of monitoring these homes.
Maria, the survivor’s mother, called it a ‘broken system’ and it is ‘disgusting’ that no one was charged with the alleged abuse.
“Vulnerable disabled children are just being ignored. It was such gross abuse but still no one has been held accountable, and the company is still operating.”
The Hesley Group statement
Following the investigations, the Hesley Group said it had closed the homes, recognised that failings had been identified, and was ‘deeply sorry’ to those affected.
It said it was now focused on running its adult placements.
In response to the police’s update on the investigation, a spokesperson for the Hesley Group said:
“Our team continues to cooperate fully with the investigation and engage as openly as possible with our affected colleagues and the families of those we care for and support.”
Conclusion
Despite overwhelming evidence of abuse and neglect, legal challenges have resulted in no charges against Hesley Group staff. Families continue to fight for justice, calling for systemic reform to prevent such failures in the future.
Further reading
Abuse in schools and education – Oakwood Solicitors
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Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
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