Medomsley Detention Centre: Seven charged with historic abuse of young men

The detention centre housed Teesside inmates :: The accused will appear at court next month

The investigation into assaults on inmates at Medomsley Detention Centre is now the biggest child abuse inquiry in the UK

Seven men have been charged with abusing young men at a detention centre.
The men face allegations of abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett, which housed Teesside inmates.

They will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 19, to answer charges of misconduct in a public office and physical abuse offences. Some will also answer sexual abuse charges.

The men accused are Christopher Onslow, 71, Brian Johnson Greenwell, 70, Alan Bramley, 69, John McGee, 73, Kevin Blakely, 65, David McClure, 62, and Neil Sowerby, 61. They are all former members of staff at Medomsley.

The investigation – named Operation Seabrook – was launched in August 2013 and is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

So far, more than 1,480 men have contacted the Operation Seabrook team to report allegations of either sexual or physical assaults while detained at Medomsley from the 1960s to when the centre closed in 1988.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in what has been, and continues to be, a long and complex investigation.

“Enquiries do not stop here – the Operation Seabrook team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remain committed in continuing to move the investigation forward.

“In February this year, we submitted 32 files to the CPS for charging decisions. A number of people are still under investigation so we do not rule out further charges in the future.

“I would like to reassure victims and survivors that they are at the heart of everything we do.
“Professional support has been offered to anyone who needs help.”

He added: “Anyone who believes they are a victim and has not already contacted the police should call us on 101 or email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk.”

Source

Police charge seven suspects detention centre abuse

• 1,480 former residents have come forward to report abuse at Medomsley
• County Durham Police reopened their inquiry after accusations it was flawed
• Force charges seven people with physical and sexual abuse and corruption

By Martin Robinson and James Tapsfield For Mailonline

Published: 10:16, 21 November 2017 | Updated: 11:55, 21 November 2017 

 

Seven men have today been charged with historic abuse of young inmates at a County Durham detention centre - and more could follow, police said today. 

More than 1,480 former residents have come forward to report they were physically or sexually abused by staff at Medomsley in the 1970s and 1980s.

Today County Durham Police charged seven former staff with a number of offences including corruption, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

The group, who are all men aged between 61 and 71, will appear in court next month.

Seven people will today be charged with serious offences after more than 1,480 former residents have come forward to report they were physically or sexually abused by staff at Medomsley (pictured)

They are Christopher Onslow, 71, Brian Johnson Greenwell, 70, Alan Bramley, 69, John McGee, 73, Kevin Blakely, 65, David McClure, 62, and Neil Sowerby, 61. They are all former members of staff at Medomsley.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, said: 'Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in what has been, and continues to be, a long and complex investigation.

'Enquiries do not stop here – the Operation Seabrook team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remain committed in continuing to move the investigation forward.

'In February this year, we submitted 32 files to the CPS for charging decisions. A number of people are still under investigation so we do not rule out further charges in the future.

'I would like to reassure victims and survivors that they are at the heart of everything we do. Professional support has been offered to anyone who needs help'. 

John McCabe revealed earlier this year was attacked by members of a gang he said raped him 'every single day' at Medomsley.

Police re-launched their investigation called Operation Seabrook four years ago after complaints were ignored, amid claims many boys were systematically abused by 'agents of the state' in the 1970s and 1980s. 

Two prison officers were jailed after a 2003 investigation, Lesley Johnson for six years and warden Neville Husband for 12 years. It was Husband who abused Mr McCabe. Both are now dead. 

Victim of abuse John McCabe successfully campaigned for a new police investigation into sex crimes at a Durham borstal. Prison guard Neville Husband (right) was jailed for 12 years for his abuse

Police have been accused of botching previous investigations and in one case a victim allegedly spoke to police about being abused in the 1970s and was told to 'f*** off' or he'd be sent back to prison.

Mr McCabe, who suffered six months of attacks and has waived his right to anonymity to tell his story, told the Daily Mirror: 'I was asked to work in the kitchens. That's where I met him (Husband). He told me if I didn't do what he wanted he'd kill me and nobody would care.

'I thought I was the only boy he abused. Now I know there were more. A lot more. And it wasn't just him.

'I'm fighting for justice for those boys, for myself. Too many people have got away with this for far too long.'

Anyone who believes they are a victim and has not already contacted the police should call Durham Police on 101 or email: operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk 

Source:

Former staff members at Medomsley Detention Centre to appear in court over abuse allegations

The former Medomsley Detention Centre closed in 1998 Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

 

 

Seven former workers at Medomsley Detention Centre, in County Durham, are set to face charges in relation to allegations of abuse.

The men have all been summonsed to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 19 to answer charges of misconduct in a public office and physical abuse offences. Some will also answer sexual abuse charges.

The men are Christopher Onslow, 71, Brian Johnson Greenwell, 70, Alan Bramley, 69, John McGee, 73, Kevin Blakely, 65, David McClure, 62, and Neil Sowerby, 61.

Durham Police launched Operation Seabrook, in August 2013 and is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

So far, more than 1,480 men have contacted the Operation Seabrook team to report allegations of either sexual or physical assaults while detained at Medomsley from the 1960s to when the centre closed in 1988.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, vowed the operation will not stop here.

He said: "The Operation Seabrook team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remain committed in continuing to move the investigation forward.

“In February this year, we submitted 32 files to the CPS for charging decisions. A number of people are still under investigation."

Anyone who believes they are a victim and has not already contacted the police can call Durham on 101 or email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk.

Last updated Tue 21 Nov 2017 

 

Source 

Seven men charged with abuse at detention centre

Seven men charged with abuse at detention centre

Claims of physical abuse have been made by more than 1,480 former inmates at Medomsley Detention CentrePAUL FAITH/PA

Seven former members of staff at a detention centre are to be prosecuted for alleged abuse and misconduct after an investigation involving claims from almost 1,500 young offenders.

The men, who worked at Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham, have been summonsed to appear before Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ court next month.

Officers investigating allegations of historic sexual and physical abuse on inmates at the young offenders’ centre submitted 32 files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging advice.

Durham police launched Operation Seabrook more than four years ago to investigate alleged abuse at the centre. It is one of the country’s biggest investigations of its kind, involving almost 1,500 former inmates.

The ex-detainees were all in their teens when they were sent to…

Source

Former detention centre staff face abuse and misconduct charges

Seven men who worked at Medomsley detention centre near Consett are being prosecuted after inquiry involving almost 1,500 ex-inmates

 

Teenage inmates at the young offender institution typically spent six to eight weeks at the Home Office-run facility before being released. Photograph: Andrew Aitchison/Corbis via Getty Images

Press Association

Tuesday 21 November 2017 11.35 GMT Last modified on Tuesday 21 November 2017 11.48 GMT

Seven former members of staff at a detention centre are being prosecuted for alleged abuse and misconduct following one of the country’s biggest investigations of its kind involving almost 1,500 ex-inmates.

The men, who worked at Medomsley detention centre near Consett, County Durham, have been summonsed to appear before Newton Aycliffe magistrates next month.

Durham police launched Operation Seabrook more than four years ago into alleged abuse at the centre, which closed in 1988.

A spokesman said the seven men, who are aged from 61 to 73, will appear on 19 December to answer charges of misconduct in a public office and alleged physical abuse offences. Some will also answer sexual abuse charges, the force said.

Durham police said more than 1,480 men have contacted the inquiry team to report allegations of either sexual or physical assaults while detained at Medomsley, with some claims dating back to the 1960s.

The force said there could yet be further charges.

Those charged are Christopher Onslow, 71, Brian Johnson Greenwell, 70, Alan Bramley, 69, John McGee, 73, Kevin Blakely, 65, David McClure, 62, and Neil Sowerby, 61.

Teenage inmates at the young offender institution typically spent six to eight weeks at the Home Office-run facility before being released. These days such offending would be dealt with by community punishment.

DCS Adrian Green said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in what has been, and continues to be, a long and complex investigation.

“Enquiries do not stop here – the Operation Seabrook team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remain committed in continuing to move the investigation forward. In February this year, we submitted 32 files to the CPS for charging decisions.

“A number of people are still under investigation so we do not rule out further charges in the future.”

 Source

Medomsley abuse probe: Seven former detention centre workers to appear in court

So far 1,480 men have alleged to police they were physically or sexually abused at detention centre near Consett

By

Sophie Doughty

• 11:18, 21 NOV 2017

Seven former detention centre workers are to appear in court over abuse allegations.
The men have all been summonsed to answer charges of misconduct in a public office and physical abuse offences, while some will also answer sexual abuse charges, following an investigation into allegations of abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett.

The men are due to appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 19. They are all former members of staff at Medomsley.

The investigation – named Operation Seabrook – was launched by Durham Constabulary in August 2013 and is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

So far, more than 1,480 men have contacted the Operation Seabrook team to report allegations they were either of sexually or physically assaulted while detained at Medomsley from the 1960s to when the centre closed in 1988, police say.

The officer leading the investigation, Det Chief Supt Adrian Green, said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in what has been, and continues to be, a long and complex investigation.

“Enquiries do not stop here – the Operation Seabrook team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remain committed in continuing to move the investigation forward.

“In February this year, we submitted 32 files to the CPS for charging decisions. A number of people are still under investigation so we do not rule out further charges in the future. “I would like to reassure victims and survivors that they are at the heart of everything we do. Professional support has been offered to anyone who needs help.

“Anyone who believes they are a victim and has not already contacted the police should call us on 101 or email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk.”

Medomsley abuse probe: Seven former detention centre workers to appear in court

Medomsley detention centre: Seven face abuse charges

Seven people are to be charged as part of an investigation into sexual and physical abuse at a County Durham youth detention centre.

Nearly 1,400 men have claimed they were abused at Medomsley, near Consett, during the 1970s and 80s.

The accused will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on 19 December to face charges of misconduct in public office and physical abuse.

Some of the seven, all ex-members of staff, will face sexual abuse charges.
Durham Police said investigations were continuing and other former staff from the centre may still face action.

Earlier this year the force forwarded 32 cases to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The investigation, named Operation Seabrook, was launched in August 2013 and interviews with former employees at the centre began in November the following year.
It followed probes in 2003 and 2005.

Image copyright Durham Police

Image caption Neville Husband was jailed after former detainees reported being sexually abused by him

Former prison officer Neville Husband was jailed for eight years in 2003 for abusing five youths.
The publicity surrounding his trial led to others coming forward and he was subsequently jailed for a further two years.

He died in 2010, after being released from prison. His former colleague Leslie Johnson, who was jailed for six years in 2005, has also since died.

The Medomsley facility closed in 1988.

Medomsley detention centre: Seven face abuse charges