- 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
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
