When Ronald Neal was placed in a hostel in Rochdale in the 1960s aged 11 he was beaten up by a ‘big fat man’ and he reported it several times, but no action was ever taken. The ’30-stone 6ft man’ was disgraced politician Cyril Smith and the historic abuse in homes in Rochdale was one of the many investigations the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse examined in detail.
Now he is calling for a public apology for all the victims.
My freelance story for the Big Issue North, on Ronald’s experience and an examination of the inquiry’s findings can be read here. Thank you to Ronald for speaking so candidly.