Former hospital porter admits catalogue of child sex offence charges

Paul Farrell, aged 55, of Camden, north London, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on Friday, 27 November, 2020, on charges that include rape, attempted rape, sexual assault of a child aged under 13 and indecent assault on a male.
 
Farrell admitted 33 offences including attempted rape and sexual assaults, and pleaded not guilty to a further 21 crimes, including rape. He pleaded guilty to a further 25 charges at an earlier hearing.
 
The charges relate to seven victims and the alleged offences occurred between 1985 and 2018, it has been widely reported.
 
The BBC reports the court heard Farrell held a number of positions, including working as a porter at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) between 1994 and 2020.

At least two victims allege they were sexually abused by Farrell at the hospital.
 
The report adds that Judge Noel Lucas said: "The prosecution have made it clear that this is not a case where it is alleged that Mr Farrell was targeting children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital. Rather that children were abused in parts of the hospital in which he had access."
 
Farrell was arrested in January, it is reported. However, the BBC reports that according to the charges, Farrell continued to offend until June this year and one boy, under the age of 13, says he was sexually assaulted "during lockdown".
 
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital published the following statement on its website:
 
“These are truly awful charges and we know that our hospital community, including our patient families, will have concerns or questions. 

“Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, we cannot go into the details of the case, but we can confirm that the individual who has been charged was dismissed from the Trust and we are continuing to work closely with the police. 

“Safeguarding children is fundamental to the care we provide and our policies are in line with national best practice. 

“All members of staff employed by the hospital are required to carry out safeguarding training appropriate to their role and we have a dedicated team who are the point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and referrals. 

“If patients, their families or colleagues raise concerns about staff there is a clear and swift process to manage these concerns when they are raised. This includes involving the police where needed.”
 
The abuse law team at Leigh Day solicitors, led by Leigh Day partner Alison Millar, has many years’ experience in handling the cases of survivors of childhood sex offences. They can be contacted on 0207 650 1241