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Irish Times
16-06-2025
- Irish Times
Kincora home abuse survivor settles claim that paedophile housemaster was protected as MI5 agent
A survivor of abuse at the notorious Kincora Boys' Home has obtained an undisclosed settlement over claims that a paedophile housemaster was protected from prosecution because of his status as an MI5 agent. Gary Hoy's legal action against the PSNI and home secretary was resolved on confidential terms at the High Court in Belfast on Monday. The 63-year-old declared afterwards: 'This case was never about the money, it was about holding them to account.' Mr Hoy sought damages for the ordeal he endured after being sent to the now-demolished children's home in east Belfast during the 1970s. READ MORE At the centre of the action was the role played by senior member of staff William McGrath. McGrath was jailed in 1981 for abusing boys as part of a paedophile ring that operated within the care facilities. The former housemaster, who died in the early 1990s, also held a leading position in the far-right loyalist movement Tara. Lawyers for Mr Hoy claimed the authorities enabled him to target vulnerable young victims so that more information about the grouping could be obtained. The alleged liability went as far as actively obstructing RUC officers from investigating and pursuing McGrath specifically due to his role as an MI5 agent, it was contended. Claims for negligence and misfeasance in public office were advanced as part of wider actions against the PSNI, home office and department of health. The defendants disputed responsibility for any violation in the duty of care to those targeted at Kincora, which closed in 1980 and was finally demolished in 2022. A three-day trial was due to begin today, but counsel for Mr Hoy announced that proceedings had been settled on confidential terms. No further details were disclosed, and no admission of liability was made as part of the resolution.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- BBC News
Kincora: Abuse victim gets settlement after claims MI5 agent protected
A victim of abuse at Kincora Boys' Home has received an undisclosed settlement after claims a paedophile housemaster was protected from being prosecuted due to him being an MI5 Hoy, 63, sought damages from the home secretary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for the abuse he endured at the now demolished children's home in east Belfast in the legal action was resolved on confidential terms at the High Court in Belfast on admission of liability was made as part of the resolution. The former housemaster William McGrath, who was known as the "Beast of Kincora", was imprisoned in 1981 for abusing boys as part of a paedophile ring which was operated in the held a leading role in the far-right loyalist movement died in the early Hoy's lawyers claimed authorities enabled McGrath to target vulnerable young victims so more information about the group could be was alleged that Royal Ulster Constabulary officers were prevented from investigating McGrath due to his role as an MI5 for negligence and misfeasance in public office were advanced as part of wider actions against the PSNI, Home Office and Department of have disputed responsibility for any violation in the duty of care to the victims of the Kincora Boys' Home.A three-day trial was due to begin on Monday but counsel for Mr Hoy announced proceedings had been settled on confidential further details were to the media outside court, Mr Hoy said: "This case was never about the money, it was about holding them to account."The judge, Mr Justice Simpson, commended the parties for reaching the outcome in a difficult case.
