Glasgow woman who tormented foster children in 'house of horrors' released from prison after appeal

A Glasgow woman, who was convicted of horrific historical abuse towards six foster children at a “house of horrors”, has been released from prison after a successful appeal.

Douglas Daniel, 80, and Barbara Daniel, 75, were sentenced to 30 months each for tormenting the children, aged between four and 14, at the property in the city’s Parkhead.

They used punishment methods, including forcing some of the children into an animal pen, making a child stand with geese who pecked her skin, and ordering another to bathe in a bird bath.

Some of the children went hungry, and one recalled being fed cow tongue meant for pet ferrets.

The Daniels denied the accusations, which spanned between 1986 and 1991.

However, the pair were found guilty of six charges of cruel and unnatural treatment of a child at Glasgow Sheriff Court on March 9.

Following a successful appeal of her sentence on September 8, Barbara Daniel was free to leave prison after serving 81 days.

Solicitor Rhona Phillips, who represents the survivors, said: “It was acknowledged that Barbara Daniel’s conduct caused significant harm to her victims – however this is of little comfort to survivors of abuse at her hands given the significant reduction in her sentence.

“Her counsel highlighted health concerns due to her advanced age, however throughout the criminal trial the survivors I spoke with said there was no regard shown to their own age and vulnerabilities at the time of offending, so they are deeply disappointed and angry about this decision.

“We will continue to support the survivors as they seek to move on with their lives.”