Care worker paedophile jailed after 30 yrs

A social worker who sexually abused children more than 30 years ago was finally caught after being nominated for a bird-watching award.

Chris Rhodes, 73, was employed by Cardiff social services to look after troubled young boys 30 years ago.

But he abused three children in his care on camping trips, a court heard.

His victims – aged 11 to 15 – stayed silent until he was put forward for an RSPB award. When a picture of Rhodes appeared in a local paper it brought back painful memories for one victim, who contacted police.

Rhodes, of Cardiff, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after he admitted 11 charges of indecent assault and seven of indecency with a child. One victim, now 42, said after the case at Newport crown court: “When I saw a story in a local newspaper about him getting an award it triggered off memories.”

He now plans to sue Cardiff Council over the abuse.