It has been reported that Essex County Council has paid out just under £1 million to four victims of sexual abuse after the authority failed to protect them from sexual abuse by their father.

The case, which involves four siblings, dates back to 1990. Although the authority started a child protection investigation, the father was allowed to continue to have contact with his children, supervised by their mother. Further allegations were made in 1995 and 1996 and a report from Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1997 revealed that sexual abuse of all four children had occurred, with the knowledge of the mother.

Stephanie Prior, a Partner in Anthony Gold’s personal injury department is a specialist in child abuse claims. She is currently acting for a number of abuse victims in claims against Essex County Council. She comments: "Essex County Council has stressed that it has made significant improvements in its children's services in recent years and is committed to continuing to do so. It is good news that this payment has been made. However, no amount of money can really compensate for emotional, physical or sexual abuse suffered during childhood".

If you have suffered abuse you can email Stephanie in the strictest of confidence or call her directly on 020 7940 4001.