Medomsley Detention Centre – Police Investigation Continues

Back in April 2019 we reported that five former prison officers of Medomsley Detention Centre were jailed after being found guilty of physically abusing inmates. The former officers were:

1. Christopher Onslow: guilty of five counts of physical abuse and two counts of misconduct in a public office. Received an eight and a half year prison sentence.
2. John McGee: guilty of one count of misconduct in public office. Received a two year and eight month prison sentence.
3. Kevin Blakely: guilty of two counts of misconduct in a public office. Received a two year and nine month prison sentence.
4. Brian Greenwell: guilty of one count of misconduct in a public office. Received a two year and six month prison sentence.
5. Alan Bramley: guilty of one count of misconduct in a public office. Received an 18 month prison sentence.

This is of course very good news for all survivors of the regime. We understand, however, the criminal investigation conducted by Durham Constabulary remains on-going and it is understood that the police and CPS may bring charges against more former staff members of the detention centre.

If you are a former inmate of Medomsley Detention Centre our initial advice is to:

1. Contact Durham Constabulary as soon as possible on 0191 3752381 or via email at operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk to make a criminal complaint and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The ongoing investigation, Operation Seabrook, was launched in August 2013 and so far, more than 1,620 former detainees have contacted Operation Seabrook to report allegations of abuse whilst detained at Medomsley Detention Centre.
2. Contact one of our specialist solicitors Andrew Freckleton or Richard Hardy on 0191 565 3112 or by email to advice@benhoarestaging.local to discuss whether you are entitled to compensation for the abuse suffered. At Ben Hoare Bell LLP we represent a large number of former inmates in respect of compensation claims to both the Ministry of Justice and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority arising from the abuse suffered.