(PARKER CROOK / iNFOnews.ca)

A B.C. man is suing the province alleging he was sexually abused while living in a North Okanagan care home in the 1970s.

According to a Notice of Claim filed at the Vernon Courthouse Nov. 30, the man – who iNFOnews.ca has chosen not to name – alleges he was sexually abused while a resident at Mara House in 1979.

The court documents say the man became a resident of Mara House due to a voluntary care agreement.

The Notice of Claim says the man was sexually abused by Douglas Warren Murray, who was an employee of Mara House.

The suit says the man was repeatedly sexually assaulted by Murray, as were others at the care home.

According to the court documents Murray was charged in 1988, although it's not clear whether he was ever convicted.

Where Murray is now and whether he is still alive is not canvassed in the court documents.

The Notice of Claim states that the Ministry failed to supervise the staff at Mara House or carry out checks to ensure that the plaintiff would be free from neglect and sexual exploitation.

"As a direct, foreseeable and proximate result of the (Ministry's)... negligent and reckless actions, the plaintiff has suffered emotional distress, humiliation, shame, embarrassment, psychological and emotional trauma," the court document reads.

The suit names the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the director of child welfare and the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society as defendants in the case.

The legal suit alleges the defendants had an obligation to the plaintiff to care for his safety and physical and emotional needs and level of development.

The suit says the defendants failed in their obligation to care for the plaintiff.

The plaintiff claims aggravated and punitive damages as well as damages for breach of fiduciary duty.

None of the allegations have been proven in court. The defendants have not yet filed a statement of defence.

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