Abuse Survivors Blog

Witness appeal: Former Volunteers at St Vincent’s Orphanage in Newcastle found guilty of child sex offences

Written by Gabrielle Litson on 17 Mar 2021

shutterstock_384611071We have been instructed by a victim who was sexually abused as a child whilst a resident at St Vincent’s Orphanage in Newcastle.

During the 1960’s Raymond Mongan and Alfred Spraggon would volunteer at St Vincent Orphanage in Newcastle. At the time, Mongan was a respected teacher who spent his weekends volunteering at St Vincent’s. Both Mongan and Spraggan were supposed to offer support to the boys at St Vincent’s and act as adults upon whom the boys could rely. Mongan and Spraggan held positions of trust within the orphanage and were thought to be trusted members of the community. Mongan and Spraggon used their positions of trust to sexually assault the vulnerable young boys who were residents at the orphanage.

One victim reported to Northumbria Police in 2002 but at the time there was insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution. In 2016, a second victim came forward who was able to give the names of other potential victims and an investigation progressed. During the investigation, a total of six victims disclosed to the police the abuse they had suffered at the hands of Mongan. Mongan was arrested in 2019. During the investigation, Spraggon was also identified as an abuser.

In June 2020, Mongan plead guilty to seven counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child in relation to the six victims. Spraggon denied the charges against him but on 10 March 2021 he was found guilty at trial and was convicted of one count of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child. Both Mongan and Spraggon are awaiting sentencing.

We are gathering evidence to use in any civil compensation claims on behalf of victims of Raymond Mongan and Alfred Spraggon . If you were sexually abused by either Raymond Mongan and Alfred Spraggon whilst a resident at St Vincent’s Orphanage or witnessed others being abused and are willing to support those in their pursuit of justice, please contact us on 01234 360140 or email at jm@emmottsnell.co.uk.

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Topics: Justice, Compensation, Sexual abuse

Gabrielle Litson

Written by Gabrielle Litson