An elderly couple, Douglas Daniel, 80, and Barbara Daniel, 75, subjected children under their care to horrifying abuse in their residence in Parkhead, Glasgow. The victims, ranging from four to 14 years old, endured cruel treatment, including being coerced into a chicken coop where geese would attack them. The Daniels, who recently resided in Kent, were convicted of six charges related to their maltreatment of children between 1986 and 1991.
During the trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the couple fostered numerous children starting in 1986. Testimonies from brave victims shed light on the torment they suffered at the hands of the Daniels. One witness recounted an incident where a young girl, scared of chickens, was locked in a coop by Douglas Daniel while Barbara Daniel restrained her sister, who tried to free her.
Another victim shared her ordeal of being forced to stand among geese as a punishment orchestrated by Barbara Daniel. Recalling the traumatic experience, she described being attacked by the geese as Barbara watched. Additionally, a separate account revealed how a woman was humiliated by being made to bathe outdoors in unsanitary conditions, with Barbara Daniel finding amusement in her distress.
The court heard disturbing details of the abuse inflicted by the couple, including serving inappropriate food like cow’s tongue meant for ferrets, physical assaults, and degrading inspections. Prosecutor Ryan Watson emphasized the lack of empathy displayed by the Daniels towards the vulnerable children under their care, branding their actions as inhumane.
In response to the evidence presented, Sheriff Louise Arrol KC condemned the Daniels for perpetrating unimaginable abuse on defenseless children. She commended the courage of the victims for speaking out and emphasized the severity of the crimes committed. The sentencing was postponed pending further assessments, with the Daniels remaining on bail until the next hearing.
