Church appeals over abuse compensation

THE Catholic Church has lodged an appeal against a High Court ruling forcing it to pay compensation to 150 boys who suffered abuse at an East Yorkshire care home.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough was told at a ruling in Leeds last year that it would have to pay out to the victims – all of whom attended St Williams Community Home in Market Weighton. The court decided it was the diocese and not the De La Salle Order Of Christian Brothers, a Catholic order of lay teachers that taught at the home, who were responsible for the abuse that took place.

The former principal, Brother James Carragher, was jailed in 2004 for 14 years after admitting abusing 22 boys in his care over a 20 year period.

A huge civil case was later started by Jordan's solicitors in Leeds after the trial of three other men collapsed when a key witness was found hanged in prison.

Now, lawyers acting for the diocese have lodged their challenge with the Court of Appeal after facing a massive bill estimated to be in the region of ÂŁ8m.

Jim Whiston, a layman who works for the diocese, confirmed to the Mail that an appeal had been lodged.

He said: "I can confirm that an appeal has been lodged by the Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough against the decision by the High Court.

"Our lawyers submitted the challenge to the Court of Appeal on Friday, and we awaiting a date for a hearing.

"We cannot comment further on the details of the appeal at the moment."

The appeal was lodged the same week as the Mail exclusively revealed the findings of an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report into Operation Aldgate – a police investigation into alleged assault at the home.

The IPCC criticised Humberside Police, with the report suggesting "major" and "institutional" failings.

David Greenwood, from Jordan's, is acting on behalf of the 150 people who claim to have been abused.

He was hopeful to have the exact details of the appeal by the end of the week.

Mr Greenwood said: "The details are sketchy at the minute and I hope to have more by the end of the week.

"I imagine that the grounds for appeal will centre around the responsibility of the De La Salle Order's responsibility, but we will have to wait and see."

The appeal was lodged on Friday but a date for a hearing has not been set.

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co...ticle.html