Man wins civil settlement from Herts County Council following foster care abuse
A man has won a settlement after he suffered abuse while in a foster placement arranged by Hertfordshire County Council in the 1990s.
The man, known as Liam, was taken into care of the council at the age of 12 and placed with a family for three years. During that time he was subjected to sexual abuse by his foster father, David Nice, involving grooming behaviour and the supply of alcohol.
Nice was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in 2023 for offences committed against Liam.
Following the criminal conviction, Liam pursued a civil claim against Hertfordshire County Council. As part of the investigation, evidence was gathered demonstrating the lasting impact the abuse had on Liam’s mental health.
The claim was settled following discussions with Hertfordshire County Council’s legal representatives.
Liam was represented by Andrew Lord and Zayna Mahmood, abuse solicitors at law firm Leigh Day.
Liam said: “This has been a challenging process, and I am thankful for the compassion, care and support shown to me throughout, particularly by Andrew Lord and Zayna Mahmood.”
Andrew Lord said: “We are pleased that Liam has been able to obtain some form of recognition for the awful abuse he was subjected to. It is horrendous that a foster carer would abuse the trust placed in them to care for vulnerable children.
“David Nice was made to answer for his crimes in criminal court, and now with this settlement against the local authority who arranged the placement, I hope that Liam has greater access to support for his recovery journey.”
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire’s County Council, said: “We were shocked and appalled when we found out how Liam had been treated by someone who was supposed to be keeping him safe, and we are pleased that the person responsible has been held to account for his crimes.
“Like many organisations, the way we ensure that young people in our care are kept safe has completely transformed over the last 30 years. We now have much stronger safeguarding policies in place, and there are clear procedures for allegations to be reported and properly investigated.”