A recent investigation into historic abuse at two children’s homes in Kent has revealed horrific details about the sexual and physical abuse endured by former residents. Sandyridge and Costa Villa operated as unregistered care homes for nearly 30 years, during which time the homes’ owners Denis and Anne May are reported to have committed hundreds of acts of child abuse. The Mays were arrested in 1996 following an investigation conducted by Kent police. A subsequent investigation was conducted in 2019 before the CPS made a final decision not to bring charges in 2022.
Sandyridge and Costa Villa were used to house children who had been placed in the care of Lambeth and Brent councils. More than 40 children were transferred to Sandyridge from Shirley Oaks, the Lambeth Council children’s home at which more than 500 vulnerable people were abused. Reports allege that Charlie Elliot, a social worker with Lambeth Council, was used by the Mays to bring children to the Sandyridge and Costa Villa homes. It is now known that Mr Elliot was himself a child abuser and a member of a paedophile ring.
Charlie Elliot, Denis May and Anne May are now deceased. However, survivors of Sandyridge have alleged that other adults who are still alive were responsible for their abuse. It is unknown whether Lambeth or Brent Council will offer compensation to survivors of Sandyridge, though Lambeth Council has previously paid almost £100million to survivors of Shirley Oaks.
We have secured millions of pounds in compensation for victims of Shirley Oaks and other institutions.
If you experienced sexual or physical abuse in similar circumstances, we may be able to help you win compensation from those responsible. Our solicitors will give you an early indication of the likelihood of any such claim succeeding and will support you through the legal process should you wish to proceed with a claim for compensation.
If you would like to discuss your options, contact us now to schedule a no-cost confidential appointment.
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I want to thank you for all that you have done and all that you will do for the victims of sexual abuse in care homes. It must help many of the victims to get redress and recognition of the abuse they suffered whilst in the care of people who were meant to help them. At times it must be harrowing, and it certainly cannot be easy for you to deal with it. I very much appreciate all that you have done and are doing to help those who, at the time of their lives when they needed help, were instead abused in the most horrific way. I have the utmost respect for you and your team.
Confidential client, Lambeth Redress Scheme
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your work on my Redress Scheme case and for giving me the perseverance to see it through. This has really changed my life.
Confidential client, Lambeth Redress Scheme
I appreciate all the work you have put in representing me over the last two and a half years. Wishing you all the best, and may others be blessed and benefit from your services.
Confidential client, Lambeth Redress Scheme
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McAllister Olivarius has a proud history of helping victims and survivors fight their abusers. We know how difficult it can be to discuss traumatic incidents from your past, but our experienced, trauma-informed solicitors will help guide you through the entire process.
Your initial consultation call with us is free, start your journey towards recovery today.