£50,000 for woman beat & tormented by holy order

Court told of assaults & cruelty

neglect and humiliation at Nazareth House in South Belfast.

It was alleged she endured repeated beatings with a leather strap, stick and keys. She claimed fingernails were pressed into her arms and wrists and clumps of hair pulled out.

Papers alleged she was forced to remain outdoors for lengthy periods in extremely cold weather while inadequately clothed.

The woman further claimed she was at times kept alone inside an unlit cupboard. Allegations of humiliating her in front of other residents for soiling her bed were raised.

In court yesterday, however, the plaintiff’s barrister Patrick Lyttle confirmed the terms of a resolution reached. Mr Justice Maguire was told her case has been settled for £50,000 plus costs but without admission of liability. Following the outcome

COURT YESTERDAY

the woman’s solicitor insisted the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry’s recommendations for compensation for victims and survivors must be implemented.

Claire Mckeegan said: “Given the ongoing failure of the Secretary of State to implement a redress package, we have no option than to litigate these matters before the courts.”