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New probe into William Goad paedophile ring allegations New probe into William Goad paedophile ring allegations
(about 1 hour later)
A new investigation has been launched into "voracious and predatory" paedophile William Goad.A new investigation has been launched into "voracious and predatory" paedophile William Goad.
Goad, who is believed to have abused up to 3,500 boys, was jailed in 2004 at Plymouth Crown Court. He died in prison of natural causes last year aged 68.Goad, who is believed to have abused up to 3,500 boys, was jailed in 2004 at Plymouth Crown Court. He died in prison of natural causes last year aged 68.
There have been claims that some allegations were not fully investigated and members of a paedophile ring linked to Goad could still be at large.There have been claims that some allegations were not fully investigated and members of a paedophile ring linked to Goad could still be at large.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Det Insp Mike Cooper would lead the inquiry.Devon and Cornwall Police said Det Insp Mike Cooper would lead the inquiry.
'Hundreds' more victims
Goad, who lived in Plymouth, abused boys over a 35-year period dating back to the 1960s.Goad, who lived in Plymouth, abused boys over a 35-year period dating back to the 1960s.
During his trial, Prosecutor Martin Meeke QC described Goad as a "voracious, calculating, predatory and violent homosexual paedophile".During his trial, Prosecutor Martin Meeke QC described Goad as a "voracious, calculating, predatory and violent homosexual paedophile".
Mr Meeke said it was believed there had been "no single defendant with more victims than this man".Mr Meeke said it was believed there had been "no single defendant with more victims than this man".
Goad, who pleaded guilty to 14 specimen counts of serious sexual assault and two counts of indecent assault, was sentenced to life in prison.Goad, who pleaded guilty to 14 specimen counts of serious sexual assault and two counts of indecent assault, was sentenced to life in prison.
'Abuse record boast'
The new investigation follows a complaint from one of Goad's victims and advice from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).The new investigation follows a complaint from one of Goad's victims and advice from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
The complaint - that allegations of abuse by Goad and other paedophiles were ignored by police - was investigated internally by Devon and Cornwall Police's professional standards department and voluntarily referred to the IPCC.The complaint - that allegations of abuse by Goad and other paedophiles were ignored by police - was investigated internally by Devon and Cornwall Police's professional standards department and voluntarily referred to the IPCC.
A spokesman told BBC News the IPCC decided an investigation into the conduct of officers was not necessary, although it advised the force to consider further investigations after recognising "there were still areas of concern around allegations made".A spokesman told BBC News the IPCC decided an investigation into the conduct of officers was not necessary, although it advised the force to consider further investigations after recognising "there were still areas of concern around allegations made".
During Goad's trial, the jury was told he had boasted of beating his own "record" of sexually abusing 142 boys in one year - a claim Goad denied. During Goad's trial, the jury was told he had boasted of beating his own "record" of sexually abusing 142 boys in one year - a claim he later denied.
After being convicted, Goad wrote to BBC One's Panorama programme, claiming he himself been "physically, sexually and mentally abused for years" at Forde Park approved school in Newton Abbot where he was sent by magistrates at the age of 10. Abuser 'abused'
Goad, who owned discount shops and market stalls, groomed his victims by offering them jobs and then inviting them back to his home.
After he was jailed, Goad wrote to BBC One's Panorama programme, claiming he himself been "physically, sexually and mentally abused for years" at Forde Park approved school in Newton Abbot where he was sent by magistrates at the age of 10.
The letter said: "What happened to me as a boy messed my whole life up... the authorities who put me into that approved school turned their back on me and I had to cope on my own."
The Panorama programme in 2005 about William Goad followed information from a detective who was involved in the original investigation.
'Negligence' claims
Although former Det Con Shirley Thompson received a police commendation for her work on the Goad inquiry, she always believed there were more victims and more abusers.
Ms Thompson, who left the force last year for medical reasons, told BBC News opportunities had been missed and claimed the force had been "negligent" for not investigating further.
She said she was pleased a new investigation would be carried out because believed there could be hundreds more victims who had been - or still were - being abused by a paedophile ring connected to Goad.
On learning of Goad's death last year, Ms Thompson said she was relieved he would never be able to abuse any more children.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the new investigation was "not directly connected" to the historic William Goad investigation.
"A victim of William Goad has made a number of allegations which are currently being investigated," a statement said.
"This investigation is likely to take some time and is being progressed by experienced detectives in Plymouth.
"Throughout the historic William Goad investigation specialist support was given to numerous victims for an extended period of time.
"Should any further information come to light then this will be appropriately investigated."