Saturday, November 01, 2014

Leicestershire County Council publishes Frank Beck Reports written by former deputy director of Nottinghamshire Social Services Barrie Newell.



Leicestershire County Council publishes Frank Beck Reports written by former deputy director of Nottinghamshire Social Services Barrie Newell.

Reports on how senior officials at County Hall dealt with notorious paedophile Frank Beck have been published after more than 20 years.

Beck ran three Leicestershire County Council children’s homes in a 13-year “reign of terror”, between 1973 and 1986, before he was put on trial for systematically abusing and beating youngsters.

He was convicted in 1991 and given five life sentences, but died in prison two-and-a-half years later.

The reports, released following a freedom of information request, were written by former deputy director of Nottinghamshire Social Services Barrie Newell.
After Beck was arrested in 1990, Mr Newell was commissioned to look into the actions of Leicestershire social services in relation to Beck’s conduct, and make recommendations on subsequent management improvements.

Mr Newell’s findings were considered by Andrew Kirkwood QC, who produced a previously published report into the Beck affair in 1993, following an inquiry.

However, the Newell reports have now been published in full - albeit with some names redacted - shedding further light on the case.

Mr Newell’s reports criticise senior officers for not suspending Beck, a Liberal Blaby District councillor, when he was charged with assault in 1982.

Read More Click Leicester Mercury Report