Police Uncover More Alleged Victims in NHS Child Abuse Investigation

Authorities probing historical allegations of child abuse linked to two former NHS mental health facilities in West Sussex have reported interviewing 12 alleged victims, with indications that there may be more individuals affected.

One former patient, who was just nine years old at the time, has come forward claiming he was subjected to repeated sexual assaults by a staff member at Larchwood and Colwood in Haywards Heath.

Using the pseudonym Christopher, he recounted that the first incident occurred in the late 1970s when the staff member enticed him outside to gather flowers for his mother. He vividly recalls being assaulted in the woods, stating, “That was the daffodil day – it’s always stuck with me.”

Investigation Overview

Sussex Police are currently focusing on allegations made by former patients at these two facilities during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, both of which ceased operations in the early 2000s.

Larchwood catered to younger children, while Colwood was designated for adolescents, all situated on the grounds of the former St Francis Hospital and the present-day Princess Royal Hospital.

Christopher shared that he was admitted to Larchwood by his parents after exhibiting disruptive behavior at home, withdrawing from school, and attempting to take his own life.

Allegations of Abuse

In a detailed interview, he described the traumatic experiences of being repeatedly raped and assaulted by a male staff member. Christopher recalled the staff member saying, “Your mum’s coming tonight; do you want to pick some daffodils? I know where you can find the biggest and best ones to surprise her.”

He agreed, excitedly picking flowers until the staff member led him to a secluded area. “At the bottom of the mound, he laid me down there,” Christopher said, recalling the horrific moments that followed.

“I was crying, pleading him to stop, saying it hurt so much. It was a fear like nothing I had ever known. I left the flowers behind, the ones I never got to give to my mum. That day has haunted me ever since.”

Christopher alleges that he endured further sexual assaults by the same staff member, expressing his belief that the perpetrator exploited the system’s weaknesses, confident he would not face consequences.

Further Testimonies and Police Response

Other individuals who claim to have been patients at Larchwood or Colwood during the specified decades have also reported similar experiences of abuse by staff members.

A former nurse at Colwood, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the environment as one rife with neglect and maltreatment. She recounted a specific incident involving a physically frail girl being violently thrown across the room by a staff member.

As the investigation unfolds, Sussex Police have identified several potential suspects, none of whom are currently employed in positions of trust or pose an ongoing danger to the public. Two men in their 60s and 70s have been interviewed, although no arrests have yet been made.

Call for Justice and Acknowledgment of Past Failures

Detective Inspector Cheryl Lewendon emphasized the importance of reaching out to additional victims who may have information to aid the investigation. “There are still many individuals we need to identify. We believe the passage of time should not hinder justice for these victims,” she stated.

Addressing past criticisms regarding the handling of abuse allegations in the 1990s and 2000s, Det Insp Lewendon acknowledged that the police did not respond adequately to earlier claims. “We were not thorough back then; investigations were done in isolation. We have since made significant improvements in our approach to such serious matters,” she added.

The facilities in question were overseen by NHS organizations predating the current NHS Trust. A representative from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which now administers child and adolescent mental health services in the region, expressed support for the police investigation into the reported abuse.

“We recognize the challenges faced by individuals coming forward with their experiences of abuse. Our thoughts are with them, and we encourage anyone who has experienced any form of abuse, regardless of when it occurred, to reach out to Sussex Police,” the spokesperson stated.

In June, Sussex Police initiated a public appeal for information, while Christopher and other alleged victims have demanded a formal apology from the NHS.