Pannone’s specialist child abuse team are currently advising in relation to an allegation of child abuse against former Rochdale Liberal MP Cyril Smith.

The BBC has reported that claims that Cyril Smith, Liberal MP for Rochdale from 1972 to 1992, indecently assaulted boys in care have circulated for years. Former residents of the care home complain that Cyril Smith spanked and indecently touched them during the 1960s.

Current MP for Rochdale, Simon Danczuk, is now calling for a full investigation into the claims. Lancashire Police believe that an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse committed by Cyril Smith took place in the late 1960s but no records have been found.

Rochdale Council have already been criticised for failing to protect children in care subsequent to nine men being jailed in May for sexually abusing girls and running a child sexual exploitation ring.

At Pannone we deal with many historic abuse cases. Many people think that it is not possible to pursue a claim many years after the abuse or even once the alleged perpetrator is dead but a compensation claim may still be possible. Pannone’s specialist abuse team would like to hear from anyone affected by this story or other similar abuse. Any communications will be treated in the strictest confidence.  For free confidential advice contact us today or call 0800 0384 384.