Client J instructed Jonathan Bridge of Farleys Solicitors in a claim for damages following historic sexual abuse. He initially approached Farleys in April of 2022 and his claim concluded in November of 2024.

Background

Client J had a difficult childhood and was placed in the care of Surrey County Council in or around 1995, when he was 7 years of age.

Client J suffered neglect and abuse in care particularly at the hands of a foster carer and his wife. This particular foster carer began a grooming process. Initially he would cuddle Client J and this progressed to masturbating him, forcing him to perform oral sex and eventually rape of Client J. Client J also suffered physical abuse at the hands of the foster carer’s wife. The placement lasted for approximately 2 years during which time Client J was subjected to sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Client J was eventually removed from the placement when he ran away from home and reported the matter to the police.

Nothing was done about the foster carer at the time, but when Client J reached the age of approximately 20 he went back to the police and a subsequent prosecution resulted in the conviction of the carer in or around 2010.

Client J has suffered serious psychiatric injury as a result of the abuse and found it very difficult to talk about his experiences. It was only some 12 years after the conviction of the offender that he was strong enough to instruct solicitors and Farleys pursued the claim on his behalf thereafter.

How Farleys Were Able to Help

Medical evidence was obtained from a Consultant Psychiatrist which confirmed the extent of Client J’s injury and the impact it had had on all aspects of his life. He was diagnosed as suffering from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This had resulted in self-harm with periods of anxiety and depression. His relationships had been affected and it had also impacted on his education and employment.

The claim was complex and involved causational issues as it was suggested that Client J’s psychiatric injury may have been caused or contributed to by other factors.

Farleys instructed Justin Levinson of Counsel who specialises in this area of work and together Jonathan Bridge and Justin Levinson put forward a claim to the defendant which included an award for pain and suffering, together with past and future loss of earnings. The loss of earnings claim was particularly difficult because Client J had been able to work throughout adulthood but had been restricted in the development of his business by the ongoing impacts of the psychiatric injury. Evidence was obtained from Client J’s colleagues to support the loss of earnings claim and, following negotiation with the defendant, settlement was eventually agreed in the sum of £220,000.

Commenting on the case Client J said,

“Understandably this case was extremely difficult for me to revisit. The care and compassion Jonathan and his team had at Farleys from the initially enquiry to the result we had was impeccable, particularly for myself with severe mental health issues as a result of my abuse. I was never made to feel it was about a win, but about the closure and continued support from the team.

“This result won’t change what happened in my life, but it will change my future in helping my mental and physical health without the need for delay.

“If you have found yourself in a similar unfortunate situation, I would not hesitate to recommend Farleys to guide and support through tumultuous times”

Contact a Specialist in Foster Carer Abuse Claims

Here at Farleys, we are specialists in pursuing claims following abuse by foster carers. We understand that reliving your experiences can be extremely difficult but out experts have the expertise to handle your case with the sensitivity and compassion you need. When you feel ready to discuss your case, please contact our dedicated abuse line on 0330 134 6430, get in touch by email, or use our online chat below.