A former “house mother” known as Auntie Effie who mistreated children in her care in the 1960s and 70s has been sentenced to 300 hours of community service.

Retired social worker Euphemia Ramsay mistreated two children while employed at Quarriers Village, a residential care facility in Renfrewshire.

The now 76-year-old was in charge of one of the specially-built cottages in the settlement, near Bridge of Weir.

Then known as Auntie Effie, she was responsible for the care of vulnerable children in an environment which was meant to be homely.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how she subjected her young victims to cruelty which would go on to damage their adult lives.

A man, now in his 50s, told how Ramsay would deliberately destroy his toys and possessions when he was around six-years-old.

A woman also gave evidence of cruel treatment at the hands of Ramsay when she was aged between eight and 10.

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The victims’ testimonies included details of force-feeding by Ramsay as well as violence and humiliating punishments for bed-wetting or failing to finish meals.

Ramsay, from Douglas on the Isle of Man, denied two charges involving the cruel and unnatural treatment of children but was found guilty by a jury last month. The pensioner was handed the community payback order on Monday.

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Peter McClelland, procurator fiscal for north Strathclyde, said: “Euphemia Ramsay was trusted to provide care for children who had already experienced difficulties in their lives.

“Her mistreatment of these children may have happened some years ago but the victims have carried the pain into adulthood. I commend their courage in reporting the crimes perpetrated against them.

“At the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service we are determined that justice has no expiry date.

“I would urge any victims of similar offending, no matter how long ago, to come forward, report it and seek support.”

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