Report Reveals Doctor Would Have Been Interviewed Regarding Allegations

The revelations which have emerged regarding the alleged treatment of patients at Aston Hall psychiatric hospital in Derbyshire between the 1940s and the 1970s are hugely concerning and support must be provided to those affected, according to legal specialists.

A new report by police has concluded that there was “sufficient evidence” related to activities at the hospital that the doctor placed in charge, Dr Kenneth Milner, would have been interviewed regarding rape and child cruelty if he had been alive today.

The BBC reports that the investigation into the site found that more than 60 children treated at the hospital were thought to have been drugged and abused, with the majority of the allegations being made against Milner.

The hospital closed in the 1990s, while Milner himself passed away in 1975.

Reacting to the report, Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Abuse team have said the report featured some very worrying conclusions.

Tom Fletcher, a legal expert who specialises in abuse cases at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Expert Opinion

“The information which has emerged in relation to Aston Hall is clearly a major concern and while nothing can seemingly be done in terms of a criminal prosecution, it is vital at this stage that those affected by the alleged problems are able to access the help and support they require.

“Through our work, we have seen how instances of abuse often have a lasting impact on victims and everything possible should be done to ensure that people who faced issues at Aston Hall can work to try and come to terms with what they went through.

“This case is yet another sign of how there has been a real change in the handling of cases of abuse in recent times and it should serve as a reminder that people affected by such problems can rest assured that their concerns will always be carefully and thoroughly examined.” Tom Fletcher - Partner - Head of Abuse

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in abuse cases.