Dumfries & Galloway Propose to Pay £20,000 to Every Victim of Child Abuse at Residential Home

Last week it was announced that councillors for Dumfries and Galloway will be discussing proposed plans to pay £20,000 in compensation to all people who suffered abuse as children at one of its residential homes, dating back to the 1970s.

Peter Harley was in charge of Merkland Children’s Home in Moffat between 1977 and 1982. He inflicted physical and sexual abuse on boys aged from six to 16 when he ran the home. In 1996, he was jailed for 15 years for his crimes.

Since then, there have been various attempts by victims to sue Dumfries and Galloway Council for damages. These failed in the legal process and the cases are now time-barred.

A council working group is now recommending that a full apology be issued along with ex gratia payments of £20,000.

Read more about this story on the BBC website.