Nun jailed over historic abuse at care homes

A 75-year-old former nun was jailed for 15 months after being convicted of historic abuse at Sisters of Nazareth care homes in Scotland; two former colleagues received unpaid work sentences.

A former member of a Catholic religious order has been sentenced after a court found she abused children at care homes in Scotland in the 1970s and early 1980s. The offences were heard to have taken place at homes in Midlothian, Ayrshire and East Lothian. The conviction followed a five-week trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Two other former staff members were also convicted and received community sentences. Key facts: - The court heard the offences involved repeated physical assaults and degrading treatment of children at Sisters of Nazareth homes between September 1975 and May 1981. - Carol Buirds, aged 75, was found guilty after a five-week trial and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. - Two co-defendants were also convicted; one received 240 hours of unpaid work and another 150 hours of unpaid work. - Survivor testimony was given at trial and at least one survivor said they felt heard by the court. Summary: The convictions relate to historic physical and degrading abuse at Sisters of Nazareth care homes and resulted in a 15-month prison term for the main defendant, with co-defendants given unpaid work orders. Undetermined at this time.