Parents tell of children's hell lost in care

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A COUPLE falsely accused of sexually abusing their children say their kids have been left damaged by having to go into care. Newport couple Tim and Gina Williams’ story shocked every parent in the country back in 2004 as appalling social service blunders tore their family apart. But more than a year after complete vindication in the High Court and with their little ones finally returned to them, they claim once happy-go-lucky Zara, now 13, Ieuan, 10, and eight-year-old Courtney are now like “three little strangers” in their own home. “They are so different since they came back to us, none can bear to have us out of their sight for long because they think we won’t come back,” said Gina, 38, who vowed to ensure no others would have to endure the pain they suffered. They want a forthcoming confidential report by the Newport Safeguarding Children Board, which heavily criticises Newport Council, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust and Gwent Police’s role in the fiasco, to be made public. “We just want to know that serious lessons have been learned because we wouldn’t want our worst enemies to go through what we did,” said Tim, 38, who is unable to work because of a heart condition. “Because of everything that’s happened our kids freak out if they don’t see us at the school gates the moment the bell rings, and we have to take them everywhere with us because they refuse to go to babysitters. “They were ripped from us and still don’t understand why. They think it was because they were naughty or that we didn’t want or love them any more.” But the truth was far more difficult for anyone to comprehend. The Williams’ terrible ordeal began in May 15, 2004 after an 11-year-old boy was invited to play with their children in their paddling pool. Later that day after he and Courtney were sent upstairs to change into their bed clothes Tim discovered the boy, minus his pyjama bottoms, on top of his five-year-old daughter whose nightie was hoisted above her waist. Furious, he called the police who were followed by social services, setting in motion the devastating chain of events. Courtney had to endure internal examinations after which a doctor concluded she’d been the victim of chronic sexual abuse by an adult – casting suspicion on both Tim and Gina. “Social services said if we didn’t hand the three of them over they’d get a court order to take them from us,” said Tim. “After three sleepless nights and endless hours of talking, we felt forced to agree to their demands.” Banned from discussing details of the investigation with their distraught children, Tim and Gina drove them to the social services office, telling them they were going on a little holiday.