Beck’s victims not protected, court told

Leicestershire County Council this week admitted it had failed
to protect children from former children’s home boss and convicted
sex offender Frank Beck.

The climbdown came a week after seven of the alleged victims
began to sue the authority for compensation for abuse they suffered
in care.

The council’s barrister Nigel Baker told Nottingham Crown Court
the council accepted it breached its duty of care by failing to
monitor and inspect the three children’s homes under Beck’s
control.

It also failed to act upon complaints from the young people.

Where sexual or physical abuse was proved, the council accepted
the victims were entitled to damages, he said.

Beck died of a heart attack in prison in 1994. He had received
five life sentences and 24 years’ imprisonment for offences against
children in his care. The hearing continues.