Revealed: sex scandal at home for boys
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BOYS as young as eight were put at risk of Aids through prostitution and liaisons with known sex offenders after a complete breakdown of control at a special residential school, according to a health official's report which has never been published.
Over a period of several years, the management breakdown at the council- run Knowl View Special School in Rochdale, Lancashire, allowed gross sexual activity involving coercion and violence between some boys. Younger pupils associated with rent boys, and performed sex acts for money in public lavatories, while older boys serviced known sex offenders in flats.
The full story of Knowl View, which closed nine months ago,has never been made public, but is revealed in confidential council documents seen by the Independent on Sunday. It was "very difficult to believe", according to one document, that at least some of the staff were not aware of what was going on. Parents claim they were not told of the scale of the problem and have been angered at details only now emerging. Some families are threatening legal action.
At the height of the scandal, a known sex offender gained overnight access to the school and allegedly plied pupils with cider and cannabis cigarettes before sexually assaulting them.
One of the principal victims says he was never interviewed by the police. The teenager, who claims he was raped by the sex offender, was awarded a legal aid certificate last week to enable him to sue for damages.
Full story, page 5
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments