LAWYERS for a couple who were acquitted of child abuse have said the case should never have been brought.
Foster parents Aideen Jones, 63, and Denis Jones, 66, of Sandgate Close, Seaford, were acquitted of five counts of child cruelty on two children while working at the Bryn Alyn care home in Wrexham between 1975 and 1980.
They had been charged under the National Crime Agency’s Operation Pallial, which is looking into recent allegations of abuse in the care system in North Wales.
Chris Saltrese, solicitor for the couple, said his clients were “extremely grateful to judge, jury and defence counsel in ensuring that justice was done.”
He added: “This case has cost my clients their jobs and their savings and has caused them untold distress. But this prosecution should not have been brought.
He criticised the investigation against Mr and Mrs Jones, who has an OBE.
“In the interests of justice it is imperative that Operation Pallial is immediately wound up,” he said.
The National Crime Agency defended “a thorough and ethical investigation” and accepted the jury’s decision.
A spokesman added Operation Pallial had so far been contacted by 334 people with 102 complaints under active investigation, six convictions and eight acquittals.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel