Operation Pallial: Former police superintendent sentenced to 12 years in prison

7 Nov 2016 01:51 PM

A former police superintendent convicted of four sexual offences against children following an investigation by the National Crime Agency was recently (04 November 2016) sent to prison for 12 years.


Last month, a jury found Gordon Anglesea, 78, of Old Colwyn, North Wales, guilty of abusing two children aged 14 or 15, following a trial at Mold Crown Court.


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Anglesea, a former superintendent with North Wales Police, abused one boy while working as a police Inspector at an attendance centre near Wrexham. The second victim was sexually abused at a private address while Anglesea was off duty.


Roy McComb, NCA Deputy Director for Specialist Investigations, recently (04 November 2016) said: “Gordon Anglesea abused children who should have been safe in his presence and caused lasting damage that only his victims can truly know and understand.


“They have shared just some of that impact with the court during the trial. I believe the sentence  of 12 years imposed by this court today reflects the serious abuse of trust that Gordon Anglesea perpetrated in order to facilitate his sexual offending.


“I would like to thank all those who had the trust and confidence in the NCA to come forward with information or evidence in this case."

Anglesea was arrested in December 2013 by officers working on  Operation Pallial, an independent NCA investigation into recent allegations of past abuse in the care system in North Wales. The investigation was requested by Mark Polin, Chief Constable of North Wales.


Nine people have been convicted of abusing children as a result of the investigation so far,  including care-home owner John Allen, and  a network of five men, who were sentenced to a total of 43 years in prison in September 2015. 


There are 69 complaints under active investigation at this time and charging advice from the Crown Prosecution Service is expected in respect of a number of other individuals.


Operation Pallial continues to work closely with partners to ensure victims and witnesses are provided with appropriate advice and support. Support is being coordinated by Conwy Social Services on behalf of all local authorities in North Wales.