Two former child carers in a Dr Barnardo's home in Co Antrim were yesterday found guilty of a series of sexual abuse offences.
The Belfast Crown Court jury of nine men and one woman deliberated for almost nine hours over two days before convicting pensioner Sarah Jayne Margaret Hewitt and Robert George Anderson (46) of a total a 70 offences.
Hewitt, who will be 69 today, formerly from the Coast Road, Drain's Bay, was found guilty of a total of 53 charges including indecent assault, gross indecency and assault committed against eight children between December 1977 and June 1981.
Anderson, formerly from Hillhead Road, Ballycarry, but now living in England was convicted of 28 similar offences, including indecent assault, two charges of rape, and gross indecency committed against five children between January 1979 and June 1981.
However, the jury unanimously cleared Hewitt of 17 charges and Anderson of 11 charges.
Seven of the eight victims were present in court to hear their abusers being convicted, with some shedding tears of relief and joy while others simply whispered "yes".
At the start of the trial at the end of April, prosecution QC Mr Gerald Simpson told the jury the evidence would reveal "a picture of depravity" which the children suffered at their hands in the former children's home in Whiteabbey.
Trial judge Mr Justice Weir released both Hewitt and Anderson on bail pending the completion of victim impact and other reports.