Wakefield Council to investigate foster couple who abused children in their care

Wakefield Council is to hold a full independent inquiry into a case where a couple abused young boys placed in their care.

Ian Wathey, 41, and his partner Craig Faunch, 32, were jailed for a total of 11 years last week at Leeds Crown Court for the abuse.

The couple, from Pontefract, were approved as foster carers by Wakefield Council in July 2003.

The review, which will be led by Brian Parrott, former director of social services at Surrey Council, will establish the chain of events from the approval of Faunch and Wathey as foster carers and establish whether the council followed policies and procedures.

Kitty Ferris, Wakefield’s service director for children in need, said the council had reviewed its internal procedures since allegations were made against the couple.