A WOMAN who says she was raped and sexually abused in a children’s home about 70 years ago has called for an apology and an inquiry.

Mo Simmons said she and her two brothers suffered “terrible abuse” during their time at council-owned Hollybrook Children’s Home in Southampton in the 1950s.

She urged Southampton City Council to “cut the red tape” and help her “get justice” as she called on the authority to launch an investigation.

But, city bosses said the council was formed after the period in question and therefore it has no legal power. 

Mrs Simmons, 80, was 10 when she arrived at the home and said she was raped and her brothers were beaten.

Speaking at the full council meeting held on Wednesday, she said: “It’s been 70 years since I was left at the entrance to Hollybrook Children’s Home with my two younger brothers and I’m still seeking justice for me and my family today.

“We have been blocked every step of the way trying to find out what happened. I should be entitled to have the answers  to what happened to me in my childhood, my stolen childhood. I can’t be stopped.”

She told councillors that many, including her brother, “were not able to cope with what happened to them in that home and died earlier than they should have”.

“I hope by speaking out this never happens to other children in care,” she added.

City council leader Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry told Mrs Simmons the council will do everything it can to help her in her journey for justice.

In an official statement released soon after Mrs Simmons’ deputation, Cllr Fitzhenry added: “I am shocked and saddened by Mrs Simmons’ allegations of abuse at Hollybrook Children’s Home.

“The period in question predates the creation of Southampton City Council, so while there are some legal limitations on what investigations we as a council can carry out, I remain committed to supporting Mrs Simmons, and indeed all victims of historic abuse in the city.

“Whether that involves an inquiry is not something we can confirm until we have explored the options and engaged with colleagues from Hampshire County Council which was the responsible agency for some periods over the last decades, but I and the council will do everything we can to help Mo.”

After the meeting, deputy leader of the opposition Cllr Darren Paffey said: “Even after all these years we think that an investigation should be possible to get Mrs Simmons the justice she is seeking. We will be pushing for an investigation.”