Disturbing island off UK coast nicknamed ‘paedo island’ due to grim history

Caldey Island, located off the coast of Wales, has garnered the unsettling nickname ‘paedophile island’ due to its dark history. The island, owned by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, became home to monks in 1925. A recent report commissioned by Caldey Abbey revealed that between 1960 and 1992, at least 54 children were abused by monks and laymen on the island. Shockingly, some perpetrators had criminal records and were using fake identities while residing on the island. Most of the victims were children visiting Caldey Island on family holidays or organized trips.

The report focused heavily on Father Thaddeus Kotik, who abused several children in the late 1960s. Kotik, who claimed to have a military background, used deceitful tactics to groom children, such as keeping pets to attract their interest and gaining parents’ trust before offering to babysit. Despite multiple allegations of abuse over the years, authorities failed to take action or report the incidents to the police. Even in the 21st century, disturbing incidents like the case of Paul Ashton, a fugitive charged with possessing indecent images of children, being found on the island, continued to tarnish Caldey’s reputation.

Father Jan Rossey, the newly-appointed Abbot, expressed deep remorse for the suffering endured by the victims and acknowledged the lack of proper response to the allegations. The report issued 12 recommendations, including implementing safeguarding training and mandatory background checks for residents of the island. Abbot Rossey pledged to fully implement these recommendations to prevent further abuse on Caldey Island.

This disturbing revelation of historical abuse on ‘paedophile island’ serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding measures and prompt action to protect vulnerable individuals. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all, particularly in isolated communities such as Caldey Island.