In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Rex Case, then in his 70s, formerly of Bassett, Southampton, Hampshire, was the subject of a serious case review after being jailed for the vile and systematic sexual abuse of five young girls. Rex Case and his wife had been registered foster carers for Hampshire County Council since the 1970s and for Southampton City Council from 1997. One of his victims, Abbey Richards, bravely waived her right to anonymity to reveal how the horrific abuse was allowed to continue for decades due to catastrophic failures by local authorities.
The investigation into the vile actions of Rex Case uncovered that a “benefit of the doubt” culture within social services permitted him to continue fostering despite numerous red flags. A review by the Southampton Safeguarding Children Board revealed that Case had been sacked from a hostel for inappropriate behaviour with a 17-year-old and was even targeted by a mob who labelled him a “paedophile” at his own home in Bassett, Southampton, in 1998. Despite these serious warnings, he remained a registered carer for another five years, continuing his predatory access to children.
Abbey Richards testified that she was “left there” with no one to talk to and was prevented from speaking to her mother unsupervised, which effectively silenced her regarding the horrendous abuse. In 2012, Rex Case was sentenced to 21 years in prison, with an additional four-year term added in 2016 after he admitted to further sickening offences. The city council apologised for the “gaps” in recruitment and regulation during the 70s and 80s, admitting that children were not properly listened to or safeguarded from Case’s depraved behaviour.
As a result of his convictions for rape and multiple counts of indecent assault, Rex Case remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Hampshire Constabulary, remaining under intensive supervision for the duration of his life. Any presence in Southampton, Bassett, or elsewhere in Hampshire following his eventual release will be strictly monitored to prevent further predatory conduct. Abbey Richards’ decision to speak out has highlighted the profound need for better support systems for victims of historical foster care abuse.
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