The scale of the allegations suggests an organised paedophile ring was operating
Detectives investigating sex abuse claims at a detention centre say more than 500 potential victims have been identified.
The scale of the allegations concerning Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham, suggests an organised paedophile ring was operating during the 1970s and 1980s.
Police announced in August they were starting a fresh investigation into abuse at the centre for young offenders, most of whom were serving time for minor crimes. Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, leading a 70-strong team, said: “We always knew this would be a major inquiry but the scale of it, and the sheer number of victims who have come forward, has been a shock.”
In 2003 a previous investigation led to the conviction of Neville Husband, a prison officer at Medomsley, who was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of abusing five youngsters. Following the trial, others came forward and Husband was then jailed for a further two years. He died in 2010 from natural causes after being released from prison.
His former colleague, Leslie Johnson, a storeman, was jailed for six years in 2005 for sexual offences. He has also since died.
Police originally believed the pair were operating alone, but that view has changed after speaking to many victims.
Mr Goundry said: “From the statements, there is growing evidence to suggest there was an organised paedophile ring operating in Medomsley.”
Source
The scale of the allegations concerning Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham, suggests an organised paedophile ring was operating during the 1970s and 1980s.
Police announced in August they were starting a fresh investigation into abuse at the centre for young offenders, most of whom were serving time for minor crimes. Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry, leading a 70-strong team, said: “We always knew this would be a major inquiry but the scale of it, and the sheer number of victims who have come forward, has been a shock.”
In 2003 a previous investigation led to the conviction of Neville Husband, a prison officer at Medomsley, who was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of abusing five youngsters. Following the trial, others came forward and Husband was then jailed for a further two years. He died in 2010 from natural causes after being released from prison.
His former colleague, Leslie Johnson, a storeman, was jailed for six years in 2005 for sexual offences. He has also since died.
Police originally believed the pair were operating alone, but that view has changed after speaking to many victims.
Mr Goundry said: “From the statements, there is growing evidence to suggest there was an organised paedophile ring operating in Medomsley.”
Source
