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Paedophile care home boss John Allen jailed for life

Former children's home boss John Allen has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of abusing 19 children in his care. The 73-year-old must serve a minimum of 11 years before he can be considered for release.

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Allen victim: 'He is a monster... I hope he dies in prison'

One of John Allen's victims has said he hopes his abuser will die in prison.

Speaking outside court, Stephen Fong, 50, said he was abused "physically, mentally and racially" by Allen when he stayed at Bryn Alyn in the mid-1970s.

Stephen Fong said he was abused physically, mentally and racially by John Allen in the 1970s. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

He is a monster.

Hopefully he will die in prison. That is not a very nice thing to say and some people might not want to hear that but that is how I feel.

– Stephen Fong

Mr Fong also said he was "overjoyed" by today's sentence.

He said: "It's fantastic to know that, after so many years, the ex-boys and ex-girls have come together collectively as one and I believe we have got the verdicts we needed."

More: Stephen Fong speaks to ITV Cymru Wales about his experiences

Judge: Some Allen victims have lived 'sad, troubled' lives

John Allen has been given a life sentence for abusing children in his care. Credit: Peter Byrne / PA Wire

Judge Mr Justice Openshaw said some of John Allen's victims have gone on to lead "sad and troubled lives".

One turned to drink and became homeless, he said; some had nervous breakdowns, and a number have attempted suicide or been in prison.

One victim said Allen "had been with him for every second of his life".

Others, though, said they felt vindicated by the jury's verdicts.

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NSPCC: John Allen 'created atmosphere of terror'

A paedophile care home boss was able to evade justice for so long because he "created an atmosphere of terror where no one was able to oppose him", children's charity the NSPCC said today.

John Allen's reign of terror over a dark period of several decades puts him high up the scale of the most prolific child abusers of recent times and his sentence quite rightly reflects the severity of his despicable crimes.

Instead of nurturing the vulnerable children in his care he abused his power and subjected them to constant, horrendous sexual attacks. His manipulative and devious behaviour allowed him to hide behind a shroud of respectability while his helpless victims suffered intense emotional trauma.

– Jon Brown, NSPCC

The NSPCC's free helpline number is 0808 800 5000. Children can also call ChildLine on 0800 1111.

Allen 'caused anguish and misery' to 'troubled' victims

Sentencing John Allen, judge Mr Justice Openshaw said: "There have no doubt been more prolific offenders, but seldom can there be so many grave offences committed on so many victims over a long period of time, causing so much anguish and misery."

Most of the complainants came from "dysfunctional, chaotic" backgrounds, he said; were miles from home - if they had one - and were in need of care and protection.

Instead they were subjected to a regime of violence and intimidation ran by a "powerful man" whom one victim described as "like a god".

Allen, who has always maintained his innocence, showed no emotion as he was led from the dock.

More: Life sentence for children's home paedophile John Allen

Life sentence for children's home paedophile John Allen

John Allen has been given a life sentence for abusing children in his care. Credit: North Wales Police

A former children's home boss has been handed a life sentence for abusing 19 children in his care.

John Allen, 73, was convicted by a jury last week at Mold Crown Court of committing historical offences against 18 boys and one girl, aged between seven and 15, at residential properties in and around Wrexham.

He must serve a minimum of 11 years before he can be considered for release.

More: Children's home boss convicted of sexually abusing 19 children

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