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John Allen, 73, denies sex abuse charges at Mold court John Allen abuse trial: 'Culture of fear' at care homes
(about 1 hour later)
The former head of children's homes in north Wales has gone on trial accused of 40 counts of sexual abuse between the late 1960s and early 1990s. A hotelier who opened a string of care homes in north Wales created a "sexualised atmosphere alongside a culture of fear" as he abused 20 children in his care, a jury has heard.
John Allen, 73, ran the Bryn Alyn Community, a group of homes near Wrexham, which became one of the UK's largest providers of residential care.John Allen, 73, ran the Bryn Alyn Community, a group of homes near Wrexham, which became one of the UK's largest providers of residential care.
The jury has been told the allegations involve 20 young and vulnerable children, the youngest aged seven. Mold Crown Court heard Mr Allen was a "regular and formidable presence" at the homes from the 1960s to the 1990s.
He denies the charges in the trial at Mold Crown Court. He denies 40 counts of sexual abuse.
The jury has been told the allegations involve 20 young and vulnerable children, the youngest aged seven and the oldest aged 15.