A former foster carer who violently assaulted and humiliated vulnerable children in her care over almost 20 years has been ordered to pay back.

Angela Hassan, formerly Deeney, was found guilty of three charges following a trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court on 15 October 2024.

The 78-year-old, from Motherwell, targeted victims between 1971 and 1990 after they were placed in her care.

The children were aged between five and 11 when the abuse began.

Hassan’s offending was discovered following police inquiries into allegations of child abuse at Smyllum Park Orphanage in Lanark.

One of Hassan’s victims spent time at the institution before going with the foster carer to her then home in Wishaw.

Hassan slammed the girl’s head against a wall, repeatedly punched her in the head and body, and humiliated the child by forcing her to put used sanitary products into a coal fire in front of other people .

A young boy was also subjected to violent attacks by Hassan, who hit him with a slipper, a branch and a belt.

She was also found to have held the boy down and forced food into his mouth and humiliated him after wetting the bed.

Hassan’s third victim was also physically abused and humiliated, with the caretaker telling her she did not need sanitary products.

On November 15, Hassan was given a community payback order as a direct alternative to custody.

The 78-year-old is ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work within 15 months and has also been placed under supervision for the same period of time.

Les Brown, Crown Prosecution Service for South Strathclyde, said: “Angela Hassan exploited her position of trust to abuse vulnerable young people who should have been safe in her care.

“Instead, she caused unimaginable trauma through her violent and cruel crimes over a significant number of years.

“Thanks to the courage and strength of the victims who gave evidence, this conviction was possible.

“COPFS remains committed to prosecuting those responsible for abusing children in care – no matter how long ago the crime took place.

“I would urge any victim of a similar crime not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be heard as we use all available tools to seek justice.”

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