18. On 30 January 1980, Anthony Andrews was appointed as a houseparent at Foxholes Children’s Home. On 1 July 1983, he became residential social worker, and by 25 April 1988 he was acting assistant officer. He then moved to Elmfield Children’s Home in March 1989 when Foxholes closed.^[1]

19. In November 1989, Andrews was appointed deputy in charge at Furness Road Children’s Home, where he remained until 9 January 1991 when he was suspended following allegations of sexual abuse made by two resident children at Furness Road. He denied the accounts but following an investigation he was dismissed on 4 March 1991.^[2]

20. In 2000, during Operation Cleopatra, a number of individuals came forward to police to allege that they had been abused by Andrews at Foxholes. He was subsequently arrested and charged with numerous sexual offences. He was convicted in 2003.^[3] Former Detective Superintendent Martin Bottomley dealt with the investigation and prosecution of Andrews in the course of his evidence.^[4]

21. As in the case of Thomas Mann, the way in which Andrews was dealt with shows that Rochdale Council did have the ability to confront allegations of child abuse, investigate them quickly and thoroughly, and take decisive action.