Apology for women raped and abused by father over 25 years in 'British Fritzl case'
Two women who were raped and abused by their father over 25 years - bearing seven of his children - were given an apology by the authorities which failed to protect them.
The apology was made during the publication of the executive summary into a serious case review, which acknowledged the family had contact with 28 different agencies and 100 members of staff over 35 years.
The 56-year-old father is serving a life sentence for repeatedly raping his daughters, who went through 18 pregnancies between them.
The man, whose crimes have been likened to those of the Austrian rapist Josef Fritzl, fathered seven children with the women.
The serious case review, which covers a 35-year period, showed the family moved repeatedly - 67 times - so the father could avoid detection.
Today Sheffield and Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Boards, which were responsible for the family over the period of abuse, apologised for their failings and insisted changes had been made to protect families from abuse better.
Sue Fiennes, independent chair of Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board, said: "We want to apologise to the family at the heart of this case. It will be clear that we failed this family.
"This report will not make comfortable reading for any of the organisations concerned with the family.
"We are all committed to working relentlessly to do all we can to minimise the risk of this happening again and indeed we have taken action.
"Lessons are being learned by the agencies involved."
Chris Cook, independent chair of Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board, added: "We are genuinely sorry. We should have protected you.
"This is a tragic and complicated case that involved more than 100 professionals working in 28 agencies.
"The man responsible, who intimidated and frightened his family, was convicted of multiple counts of rape and is serving a life sentence.
"Throughout this tragic history he moved his family repeatedly - 67 times - to maintain his secret.
"When the matter was disclosed by the victims, it was acted upon swiftly."
He said he wanted to reassure people in Sheffield and Lincolnshire that they had significantly changed the way they work, particularly in protecting vulnerable children and families.
