Former nun, Carol Buirds, also known as Sister Carmel Rose, has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for committing 13 charges, including severe assault, against children at care homes over 40 years ago. Her abusive actions involved appalling acts such as rubbing urine-soaked bedding on children, forcing food and soap into their mouths, and locking children in confinement without access to basic necessities. Implements like a belt, a wooden ruler, and a stick were reportedly used in her assaults.
In a separate case, Eileen McElhinney, known as Sister Mary Eileen, and former support worker Dorothy Kane were found guilty of subjecting children to cruel and inhumane treatment at two Catholic-run homes in Scotland between the early 1970s and early 1980s. McElhinney was convicted of violently assaulting young children, making them endure cold showers and baths, and using objects like a hairbrush and metal comb to cause harm. Kane was found guilty of similar charges, including physical abuse and neglecting to stop other staff from mistreating children.
McElhinney was sentenced to a 12-month probation order, 240 hours of unpaid work, and a curfew, while Kane received a community service order requiring 150 hours of unpaid work. During the trial, both defendants denied certain allegations, with Kane claiming memory loss regarding specific incidents.
Prosecutor Faith Currie condemned the actions of the perpetrators, emphasizing the lasting harm inflicted on vulnerable children. Survivors have expressed relief at seeing justice served, with one individual describing the experience of being heard and believed after years of fear and mistreatment.
Legal representatives for multiple survivors have acknowledged the severity of the abuse endured by young residents decades ago, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.