COUNCIL SUED OVER ABUSE
Coylton claims set to cost over £ 1million
Sex abuse at a children’s home could cost the council more than £ 1 million.
Compensation claims surrounding vile crimes committed in the 1990s are underway, the Post can reveal.
One writ demanding £ 500,000 has already been lodged at the Personal Injury Court in Edinburgh.
And papers for another two cases are to be served “imminently”.
In 2015 a worker at a South Ayrshire children’s home was convicted of a string of sexual offences against boys.
Beast Brian Newman was sentenced to 13 years behind bars after being convicted of 10 charges of indecency and sexual assault against six boys.
Historic sex abuse at a South Ayrshire children’s home could cost council bosses more than £ 1million.
Compensation claims surrounding vile crimes committed in the 1990s are underway, the Post can reveal.
One writ demanding £ 500,000 has already been lodged at the Personal Injury Court in Edinburgh.
And papers for another two cases are to be served “imminently”.
In 2015, a worker at a South Ayrshire Children’s Home was convicted of a string of sexual offences against boys.
Beast Brian Newman was sentenced to 13 years behind bars after being convicted of 10 charges of indecency and sexual assault against six boys.
His victims had come forward in the wake of the Jimmy Saville scandal.
Now a claim has been lodged against the council, who fear a number of similar settlements will be filed.
Officials at County Buildings have begun creating “prudent provision to meet the potential costs that may result from known and potential historic abuse claims”.
Documents seen by the Post reveal the initial claim is suing the council for “personal injury and loss of earnings ( past and future)”.
The paper, which went before senior councillors, added: “We have now been advised that the solicitors acting for the initial claimant have two further court actions ready to serve on the council imminently, in respect of two other clients involved in the Coylton Children’s home.
“No detail is available yet of the sums likely to be sued for.”
Council insurance will cover 56 per cent of any initial payout to be made.
But no further cover will exist, due to “very high excesses in place during the periods of abuse”.
Council bosses were made aware of a fourth claim linked to the Coylton case, which has yet to be pursued.
A council spokesman said: “We cannot comment on confidential papers that were heard in private.”