Cyril Smith abuse victims to be key witnesses as national child abuse inquiry opens

Victims of Cyril Smith are to be among the key witnesses tomorrow as the first national inquiry into historic child sex abuse finally opens.

Nine men - now all in their middle or old age - are to give evidence to the Goddard Inquiry on the abuse they suffered at the hands of the late Rochdale MP.

The long-awaited inquiry is expected to hear from victims of abuse dating back decades and relating to prominent public figures, including Smith.

Some of his victims describe abuse dating back to the 1960s, at the Cambridge House hostel, while others say they were molested by the Liberal politician at Knowl View school for boys during the 1980s and 1990s.

Allegations of Smith’s abuse first surfaced in the 1960s but despite a police investigation no prosecutions were ever brought.  (more...)

Cyril Smith abuse victims to be key witnesses as national child abuse inquiry opens

Preliminary hearing under way for #CSAinquiry investigation on various Rochdale institutions, inc Knowl View school, and Sir Cyril Smith.

— ExaroNews (@ExaroNews) March 16, 2016

Rochdale inv of #CSAinquiry to examine whether Sir Cyril Smith exploited positions as school governor/MP to access children, hearing told.

— ExaroNews (@ExaroNews) March 16, 2016

There will be a further prelim hearing of #CSAinquiry re inv into Rochdale/Sir Cyril Smith before summer recess. Today’s hearing ends.

— ExaroNews (@ExaroNews) March 16, 2016