Landmark judgement holds two Catholic organisations responsible for abuse

The Supreme Court has ruled that two Catholic organisations are jointly responsible for alleged physical and sexual abuse at a children's home.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough and the De La Salle Roman Catholic Order, who supplied teachers, have both been held liable.

More than 170 victims came forward to report abuse at St William's care home and school in Market Weighton, near York. Abuse dating back to 1958.

The school came under the jurisdiction of the Middlesbrough diocese, but the De La Salle order was in day-to-day charge of running the place.

The Middlesbrough Diocese did not contest its responsibility for what happened. But it insisted the De La Salle order should also be held responsible for compensating any victims.

Today in a landmark ruling the Supreme Court agreed.