Pair face abuse claims at former children's home

Two men are set to appear in court to answer to 26 charges of sexual abuse against young boys at a children's home in Sussex more than 30 years ago, police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Jan 2018, 14:05 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:36 BST
Worthing Magistrates CourtWorthing Magistrates Court
Worthing Magistrates Court

Brighton man John Michael Webber, 77, retired, of Clifton Hill, and Don Grasty, 94, retired, of Beach Road, Selsey, are set to appear at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 6, according to police.

The prosecution follows an investigation by the Sussex Police Complex Abuse Unit.

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A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The charges allege that they committed the offences at the long since closed privately-run Old Rectory Children’s Home in Church Road, Singleton, against eight boys.

“Webber, who was owner of the Home during the period of the alleged offences, faces 12 charges - seven of indecent assault, two of gross indecency and three of buggery - almost all involving multiple incidents, allegedly committed against five boys.

“Grasty, who was a manager at the Home during the same period, faces 14 charges - 10 of indecent assault, three of gross indecency, and one of buggery - again almost involving multiple incidents, allegedly committed against five boys.

“Two of the boys are alleged to have been victims of both men.

“Police emphasise that the premises closed as a Children’s Home in the late 1980s, and that any management or occupants of the address since that time have no connection whatsoever with this case.”