Porter gets life sentence after abusing young boys for years

It’s been reported in the press that a former porter who worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) from 1994 to 2020 has been convicted of sexual offences against young boys.

Paul Farrell, aged 55, admitted to 69 offences against eight victims, who are now aged between 9 and 43 year’s old. The offences were carried out between 1985 and 2020 and prosecutors believe that instances of abuse against young boys are likely to be in the thousands. Offences included attempted rape, sexual assault of a child under 13 and taking indecent photographs of children.

Farrell didn’t target the patients who were in hospital, but instead befriended the parents of the children he abused, acting as a babysitter. Parents believed their children we’re being looked after but instead, Farrell abused them.

Specialised abuse lawyer, Kim Harrison, who has acted for many victims and survivors of those abused in hospitals said: “These heinous crimes by Farrell against young and often very sick children who were in Great Ormond Street Hospital for treatment and care are truly shocking in their nature, the length of the offending period and the numbers of potential victims. I urge any other victims of Farrell to come forward and speak to the police and authorities.”

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