Brave Survivor Urges Others To Come Forward And Not Suffer Alone

A man sexually abused by a foster carer as a child is urging survivors of similar issues to come forward after lawyers secured him a settlement regarding his ordeal.

Jordan Scott, 25, has revealed how he has gone on to develop issues including anxiety and panic attacks since he was abused by Patrick Gallagher in July 2004.

Gallagher, then age 60 from Mansfield, was jailed for life at Nottingham Crown Court in May 2011 after admitting more than 50 charges related to the abuse of 16 vulnerable boys, including Jordan, between 1998 and 2010.

Jordan instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his case and help him access the specialist support he requires to try and come to terms with what happened.

Jordan, of Carlton in Lindrick, Worksop, has now waived his right to anonymity and joined his legal team in calling on anyone else affected by abuse to not suffer in silence. It comes after Irwin Mitchell secured him an undisclosed settlement from Nottinghamshire County Council, under whose care Jordan was.

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“This is yet another truly devastating case in which a person in a position of power and trust has gone on to abuse it in the worst possible way.

“The shocking details and extent of Gallagher’s crimes are well-documented and it is absolutely essential that efforts continue to ensure that all of those he preyed upon receive the support that they require as they look to move forward with their lives.

“While we are pleased to have secured this settlement for Jordan, we recognise that nothing will change what has happened. We hope Jordan can now try and look to the future the best he can.

“It is also important that others subjected to sexual abuse whether historical or not, report what has happened to them. Support is available and nobody should have to suffer in silence.” Tom Fletcher - Partner

Jordan was placed with Gallagher, who also volunteered as a swimming coach and at a youth club, for two weeks for respite care. He was the only child staying with him at the time and suffered abuse throughout his stay.

Jordan, who now lives partner Amy Dane, 24, said: “It remains incredibly difficult to talk about and the whole experience undoubtedly has had a traumatic impact on me.

“Through the years I’ve suffered with so many different things – suicidal thoughts, weight loss and low moods. In more recent times I’ve developed anxiety, nightmares and panic attacks.

“I don’t know if I will ever truly come to terms with what happened but I am determined to try and not let this man ruin my life. I want to try and look to the future.

“I just hope that by speaking out others who have been abused feel that they don’t have to go through what happened to them alone.

“Issues like abuse are under the spotlight more than ever before and people can be confident that others will listen to their concerns.”

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