Boys' home sex abuse victim accepts 'six-figure sum' in damages

A man who was physically and sexually abused as a teenager at the Kincora Boys' Home in Belfast has settled his claim for damages for an undisclosed amount.

At least 29 boys were abused at the site on the Newtownards Road in the east of the city from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The man, whose identity is protected, took legal action against the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Home Office and the Department of Health.

The case was resolved without admission of liability but the man's solicitor said her client would "receive a significant six-figure sum to settle his claim".

Claire McKeegan added that the plaintiff had "endured a lifetime of trauma over what went on in Kincora".

The man lived in the children's home for two years in the 1970s, during which time it was alleged he was abused by its housemaster, William McGrath.

McGrath was one of three senior staff who were imprisoned in 1981 for abusing boys as part of a paedophile ring which operated in the home.

He had come to the attention of police because, in addition to his job in Kincora, McGrath also held a leading position in the far-right loyalist movement Tara.

In a previous case brought by another former resident, it was claimed authorities enabled McGrath to target boys so more information about Tara could be obtained.

Lawyers in that case alleged Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officers were prevented from investigating McGrath due to his role as an MI5 agent.

Lawyers for the plaintiff in Monday's High Court case claimed the RUC exposed him and other Kincora residents to further risk by failing to properly investigate or prevent the physical and sexual abuse.

His claim included allegations of negligence, misfeasance in public office, breach of statutory duty as well as assault and battery.

Following the settlement, Claire McKeegan from Phoenix Law said the abuse had a severe impact on him and his family.

"This settlement provides a welcome vindication for him, who has endured a lifetime of trauma over what went on in Kincora," she said.

"State-sponsored abuse of teenagers was systemic in Kincora, and suppressed to protect those in positions of power and authority."

McGrath, who became known as the "Beast of Kincora", died in the 1990s.

The building which housed the children's home was demolished in 2022.