Operation Seabrook - Medomsley Detention Centre
16/01/2018
‘Operation Seabrook’ is the criminal investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by staff against detainees at Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett, County Durham.
It was launched in August 2013 and is investigating incidents which happened over many years, principally the 1970s and 1980s.
The three main aims of the investigation are:
* to ensure support is provided for victims so they are in a better place after contacting the police
* to gain the fullest understanding of how Medomsley operated during those years
* to secure evidence so that any potential offenders are brought to justice.
Anyone needing to make contact with the team in writing can email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk
Latest news update - Seven men appear at crown court charged with abuse
SEVEN
former prison officers have appeared in court following an
investigation into allegations of abuse of young men at a former
detention centre.
The men, who are all former staff members at Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett, appeared at Teesside Crown Court today (Tuesday, January 16).
Christopher Onslow, 71, John McGee, 73, Brian Johnson Greenwell, 70, and Neil Sowerby, 61, face charges of misconduct in a public office, physical abuse and sexual offences.
David McClure, 62, Alan Bramley, 69, and Kevin Blakey, 65, face charges of misconduct in public office and physical abuse only.
No pleas were entered and a provisional trial date was set for September 3. The trial is expected to last between 12 to 14 weeks.
All defendants were released on bail.
The court heard there will be around 15,000 pages of material linked to the case, along with 235 witnesses. Of these, 70 are likely to be complainants.
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 1,500 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.
Anyone who believes they are a victim and has not already contacted the police should call Durham Constabulary on 101 or email operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk
Durham Constabulary continues to work with various organisations to
provide the best possible support for victims. Access to support is
available without the need to contact the police for those who feel
unable to do so.
Independent Psychotherapist Zoe Lodrick
The following organisations can be contacted independently of the police for support .
NSPCC FREEPHONE HELPLINE (24 hrs):
The helpline is available for anyone who has concerns about a child
or anyone including adults who wish to discuss their own experience of
abuse as a child or young person.
Contact can also be made via e mail : help@nspcc.org.uk or by text 88858
Contact can be made anonymously if the caller so wishes.
NAPAC
Freephone from all landlines and mobile networks 0808 801 0331.
Calls do not show on your bill; lines are open 10am to 9pm Monday -
Thursday, and 10am to 6pm on Friday. NAPAC is unable to take messages
or ring back.
The Meadows:
0191 372 9202
The Meadows will accept calls between the hours of 9am-3.30 pm Monday to Friday and can arrange one-to-one counselling sessions and can make referrals to similar centres throughout the UK.
The Meadows will accept calls between the hours of 9am-3.30 pm Monday to Friday and can arrange one-to-one counselling sessions and can make referrals to similar centres throughout the UK.
Counselling does not involve discussing what has happened in
relation to the assault, it aims to help you work through your feelings
to aid the healing process.
Staff at the Meadows will not contact the police without your
consent unless there are current concerns in respect of a child or
vulnerable adult.
