Former foster carer who violently attacked and humiliated vulnerable children over 20 years sentenced

A former foster carer who violently attacked and humiliated vulnerable children in her care over the course of almost 20 years has been handed a payback order.

Angela Hassan, formerly Deeney, was found guilty of three charges following a trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court on October 15 2024.

The 78-year-old, from Motherwell, targeted the victims between 1971 and 1990 after they were placed in her care.

The children were aged between five and 11 when the abuse began.

Hassan’s offending was discovered following police enquiries into allegations of child abuse at Smyllum Park orphanage in Lanark.

One of Hassan’s victims had spent time at the institution before going to stay with the foster carer at her then-home in Wishaw.

Hassan struck the girl’s head against a wall, repeatedly punched her on the head and body and humiliated the child by forcing her to place used sanitary products in a coal fire in front of other people.

A young boy was also subjected to violent attacks by Hassan, who hit him with a slipper, a branch and a belt.

She was also found to have held the boy down and forced food into his mouth and humiliated him after he wet the bed.

Hassan’s third victim was also physically abused and humiliated, with the carer telling her she did not need sanitary products.

On November 15, Hassan was given a Community Payback Order as a direct alternative to custody.

The 78-year-old is required to complete 300 hours of unpaid work within 15 months and was also placed under supervision for the same period of time.

Les Brown, Procurator Fiscal for South Strathclyde, said: “Angela Hassan exploited her position of trust to abuse vulnerable young people, who should have been safe in her care.

“Instead, she inflicted unimaginable trauma through her violent and cruel offending over a significant number of years.

“It is thanks to the bravery and strength of the victims giving evidence that this conviction has been made possible.

“COPFS remains committed to prosecuting those responsible for abusing children in care settings – regardless of how long ago the offending took place.

“I would urge any victim of similar crime not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to as we use all the tools available to use to seek justice.”