Special investigation: Man waives right to anonymity to reveal alleged child abuse at former Worksop children’s care home

Mickey Summers claims that he suffered physical, mental and emotional torture at the Ashley House, Sunnyside - which is now not a children’s care home - during a month-long stay in 1967.

The revelation comes after an urgent investigation into historical allegations of child abuse in care homes across Notts was announced this week.

He told this newspaper that children as young as 12 and 13 were raped in the care home and that the ‘vast majority’ of male staff would have known it was taking place.

He also said that he was abused at other care homes across Notts - and that it has ruined his life.

“Other kids were raped. As children we knew it was happening because we talked about it. We were terrified of getting dragged in ourselves.”

In April of this year, Mickey returned to the UK from New York to prove that authorities responsible for his well-being ‘covered-up’ his allegations.

In 2003, the former Forest Town resident reported his abuse to Notts Police, Notts City Council and to Notts County Council, which had taken over responsibility for child social care in 1974.

However both authorities have told him that his files were destroyed in 1978 and have issued a joint apology to him.

“I have had to prove who I am and what has happened,” Mickey added.

“I have received a lot of support. Brick by brick I will bring the authorities down.”