Ex-care home boss on abuse charges

John Allen is charged with 36 sex offences

A former children's homes boss has appeared in court in north Wales charged with sexually abusing young people in his care.

John Allen, 60, formerly of Wrexham and now living in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, is alleged to have abused young people in the Wrexham and Flintshire areas, between the 1960s and the 1980s.

The 36 charges relate to 12 complainants and include 20 offences alleging an illegal sex act, two of attempting to commit the act and 14 of indecent assault.

Case committed

The offences are alleged to have taken place over a 19-year period from 1968 to 1987, relating to persons who were in care from the Flintshire and Wrexham areas.

The case was adjourned by Flintshire magistrates on Thursday and Mr Allen will next appear at Mold Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on 7 June.

Mr Allen was the head of a limited company, which ran 11 residential homes in north east Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

Bailed

His appearance in court follows a two-year investigation by detectives from North Wales Police.

During the hearing, crown prosecutor Christine O'Kane asked magistrates to transfer the case to crown court.

David Woods, defending, agreed with the prosecution request.

Mr Allen, who appeared in court wearing a red anorak and a baseball cap, was granted unconditional bail.