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Medomsley Detention Centre

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Please contact the team today to discuss your case in more detail. You can contact us on 0191 565 3112 or email advice@benhoarebell.co.uk

Medomsley Detention Centre opened in 1961 as a youth detention centre designed to introduce offenders aged 17-21, to the penal system, whilst keeping them out of mainstream prison.

Medomsley operated as part of the now highly criticised short, sharp, shock penal regime.

Boys and young men were sent to Medomsley for minor offences, for example, stealing biscuits from a factory. These instances would not be considered imprisonable today.

In 2003 Neville Husband, a former officer at Medomsley, was convicted of sex attacks against 5 former inmates of Medomsley and sentenced to 8 years. In 2005 his sentence was increased to 10 years after more victims came forward and he admitted to attacks on 4 more victims. In 2005 another former officer, Leslie Johnson, was also convicted for sexual offences and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.

In 2013 Durham police launched Operation Seabrook, the criminal investigation into the allegations of abuse both physical and sexual at Medomsley. Since the launch, Operation Seabrook has been contacted by more than 1,630 men.

In 2018 five former officers of Medomsley Detention Centre were convicted of numerous offences.

The convictions were as follows:

  • Kevin Blakely, convicted of 2 counts of misconduct in public office.
  • Alan Bramley, convicted of misconduct in a public office.
  • Brian Greenwell, convicted of misconduct in a public office.
  • John McGee, convicted of misconduct in a public office and assault occasioning ABH.
  • Christopher Onslow, convicted of three counts of assault occasioning ABH, one count of GBH, one count of wounding with intent to cause GBH and two counts of misconduct in a public office.

 

Ben Hoare Bell LLP has been instructed by over 500 former inmates of Medomsley Detention Centre in relation to compensation claims arising from abuse suffered at Medomsley.  We have settled hundreds of claims arising from abuse suffered by survivors. 

Separately to the compensation claims our team are also currently calling for a public inquiry to take place into the abuse which occurred at Medomsley Detention Centre.

A public inquiry investigates, examines and reports upon issues of public concern, with the aim of establishing the facts of an event. The aim of the inquiry would be to establish the facts of the abuse that occurred at Medomsley through the compilation of evidence from victims, reports from the police, local authorities and the Home Office. Previous failed investigations and reports into Medomsley that did not expose the abuse that occurred would also be brought forward to be examined.

The Medomsley Detention Centre Team

Medomsley Detention Centre Latest News

Ombudsman to Investigate what authorities knew about Medomsley abuse

The Prisons and Probation Ombdusman has begun their investigation into what authorities knew about the

Medomsley Detention Centre Special Investigation

The Secretary of State for Justice has commissioned the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) to

Medomsley Compensation Scheme remains open

The Medomsley Detention Centre Physical Abuse Settlement Scheme previously agreed with the Ministry of Justice

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