A husband and wife subjected a 4-year-old foster child to mistreatment by placing her in a chicken coop where she was attacked by geese, while other children suffered abuse in a distressing household in Parkhead, Glasgow. Douglas Daniel, 80, and Barbara Daniel, 75, engaged in cruel and unnatural treatment towards children aged four to 14, leading to their recent appearance in Glasgow Sheriff Court. The couple, currently residing in Kent, were convicted on six counts related to the abuse inflicted between 1986 and 1991, despite their denial of the accusations.

Numerous courageous victims stepped forward to recount the torment endured under the care of the Daniels. Testimonies revealed a harrowing account of the couple’s punitive actions, such as forcing a child to confront geese that pecked at her, causing lasting trauma. The court proceedings disclosed the distressing environment created by the Daniels, who started fostering children in 1986 and subjected them to appalling treatment, including locking a terrified girl inside a chicken coop at the rear of their property.

One victim described being coerced into consuming geese eggs as a form of punishment, with the threat of facing the aggressive birds if she resisted. Another victim shared her ordeal of being forced to bathe outdoors in unsanitary conditions while being ridiculed by Barbara Daniel. The malicious behavior extended to serving inappropriate meals, like cow’s tongue meant for animals, and physical abuse by Douglas Daniel.

The prosecutor highlighted the Daniels’ lack of empathy and the failure to provide a safe haven for vulnerable children entrusted to their care. Sheriff Louise Arrol KC condemned the couple for perpetrating heinous acts against defenseless minors and expressed disbelief at their inhumane conduct. The court deferred sentencing pending further investigations, with the Daniels remaining on bail until a later date.