Western Weekender March 16

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weekender the western Friday, March 16, 2018 • FREE

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PLEASE COME FORWARD EMILY NEWTON

D

ecades after what is described as “horrific” abuse, police are hoping to hold those responsible for historical sex offences at a Penrith boys’ home accountable. Detectives from Nepean Police Area Command investigating the alleged abuse of children at the Daruk Training School at Berkshire Park between 1965 and 1985 have made their first arrest and expect there’s more to come. Nepean Police Area Commander Brett McFadden is urging any further victims to come forward as they piece together critical parts of the investigation. “What we have found during the course of the investigation is that boys between the age of 10 and 14 have suffered what appears to be significant sexual abuse whilst in the care facility,” he said. “We recognise that some of the victims have a chequered history in their engagement with police, but we are not judging them at this time. Our concern is to make sure that they are heard.

“They have an opportunity to have their accounts placed clearly on the record.” In emotional and explosive interviews on ‘60 Minutes’ on Sunday night, three victims spoke out about their experiences at the notorious Daruk boys’ home. The men allege that as boys the abuse occurred on a daily basis as children at the home were at the mercy of a “major, serious paedophile ring” run by the people entrusted to protect them. The alleged abuse ranged from being locked in an isolation cell for days and being beaten to rape and even a horrific botched circumcision. Police didn’t hold back when saying there would be numerous arrests as part of the investigation, declaring more charges were “imminent”. Story continues on » p. 6 & 7

Commander Brett McFadden addresses the media earlier this week. Photo: Melinda Jane

FESTIVAL FUN Page 17

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