Nine years that 'ruined' two lives

Mr Lillie and Ms Reed said their lives have been ruined

Dawn Reed and Christopher Lillie were employed by Newcastle City Council as qualified nursery officers in March 1992.

They were responsible for the care of children aged from two to three at an inner-city nursery.

A police investigation into the pair began in 1993 after complaints by a parent to police.

The investigation culminated in both Ms Reed and Mr Lillie appearing in court accused of sex offences against children.

Lives rebuilt

The pair were acquitted by the trial judge at Newcastle Crown Court in July 1994, who ruled the prosecution tendered no evidence against them.

During the libel trial, which ended on Tuesday, the court heard how the pair then tried to put the court case behind them and rebuild their lives.

But despite the acquittals, in 1995 an independent review team was asked by Newcastle City Council to carry out a review of the nursery.

They were also told to respond to parents' complaints against various individuals or departments.

Ms Reed and Mr Lillie's lives were ruined again on 12 November 1998, when the report Abuse in Early Years was published.

Newcastle City Council commissioned the report in 1995

The nursery nurses were accused of sexually abusing children in their care by the report authors Richard Barker, Judith Jones, Jacqui Saradjian and Roy Wardell - accusations High Court judge Mr Justice Eady said were "untrue".

During the lengthy libel hearing - which began in January this year - the judge was told the report accused the pair of "the most serious and repugnant crimes it is possible to imagine".

By the time the report was published, Ms Reed was married and working in a mini-cab firm's office.

Mr Lillie had also rebuilt his life and was living with his girlfriend and training to be a sous chef.

Maximum award

Both say the publication of the report "ruined" their lives.

Speaking after the judgement at the High Court in London, a tearful Ms Reed said she was "relieved" that their ordeal was over.

Mr Lillie said his innocence meant he had never doubted he would get his day in court.

Ms Reed and Mr Lillie were awarded £200,000 each.