Former Children's Home Manager Jailed for Historical Child Sexual Abuse

The former manager of a children's home, Joseph Marshall, 85, has been sentenced to six years in prison for abusing boys at Knottfield in Douglas between 1974 and 1982. The chief constable, Gary Roberts, stated that Marshall "ruined the lives of many young men" and described him as a "very dangerous sex offender."

"It is hard to overstate the damage he has caused," said Mr. Roberts. "His victims might now see some closure."

Marshall was convicted of three indecent assaults and two counts of gross indecency against two boys aged under 16 following a trial at Douglas Courthouse in December. This is not his first conviction. He was previously jailed in 1992 for 13 offences of indecent assault against other boys at the home.

Mr. Roberts expressed his belief that more children were abused by Marshall and encouraged any potential victims to come forward, stating "it's never too late."

In a statement released through Victim Support Isle of Man, one of Marshall's victims said: "A guilty verdict is not just for the crimes he committed against me, but a guilty verdict is for the crimes he committed against every single victim he made. I felt believed as soon as I had given my interview to the police and being believed was the biggest part for me."

Responding to criticism from Deemster Bernard Richmond QC regarding evidence Mr. Roberts gave to a Tynwald inquiry into Knottfield prior to the criminal proceedings, Mr. Roberts explained that "to all intents and purposes the book had closed on Marshall" at that time. He added, "What's also important to note is that inquiry by Tynwald brought out more victims."