Inquiry will not take evidence from former Medomsley detention centre inmates who were 18 or over at time of alleged abuse
Professor Alexis Jay, the fourth chair of the abuse inquiry.
Photograph: Dave Higgens/PA
An independent inquiry into the sexual abuse of children has been
dealt another blow after hundreds of alleged victims of abuse threatened
to boycott it.
Former inmates at Medomsley detention centre in Consett, County
Durham, where abuser Neville Husband preyed on children and young adults
over a 15-year period from the late 1960s onwards, have written to
their lawyers stating that they want to withdraw from the inquiry after
learning that it will not hear evidence from people who were aged 18 or
over at the time they were abused.
The inquiry has been beset by problems. This week Dame Lowell Goddard, the third chair to resign, sent a 10-page critique
of its setup to the home affairs select committee, calling for a
complete review and remodelling to focus it “more towards current events
and thus focusing major attention on the present and future protection
of children”. She said the scope of the inquiry, including every state
and non-state institution, meant that “the terms of reference in their
totality cannot be met”.
On Wednesday the inquiry was further undermined when another group of victims, Shirley Oaks Survivors Association, threatened to pull out
after suggesting that the independence of the inquiry had been
undermined by the fact that the new chair, Prof Alexis Jay, had spent 30
years working in social services.
Shirley Oaks was a children’s home run by Lambeth social services in
south London where hundreds of children were allegedly abused in the
1970s and 1980s. Now the Medomsley group, who make up the biggest single
strand of the inquiry, are demanding a separate public inquiry, and say
the truth will only come out if all victims are heard.
Husband, who ran the kitchens at Medomsley, was convicted in 2003 of
sexually abusing five young inmates in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He was
jailed for 10 years and died in 2010.
Following a Guardian investigation into Medomsley in 2012, many more of Husband’s victims came forward, and in 2013 Durham police launched Operation Seabrook, a “criminal investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by staff against detainees at Medomsley”.
It is the biggest investigation the force has undertaken, with more
than 1,350 former Medomsley detainees who claim they were abused having
being interviewed.
In May, Durham police announced that “all of the surviving main
suspects, 31 in total, had been identified, interviewed and prosecution
files submitted for advice.” Charges are likely to be brought in the
near future.
John McCabe, a spokesman for hundreds of the alleged Medomsley
victims, said 80% of those interviewed by Durham police were aged 18 or
over at the time they claim they were abused. In July he received a
letter from the inquiry team stating that it would not be taking
evidence from such victims as they “were not seen as children”.
McCabe said the Medomsley victims could not be divided, and he has
written to the 26 lawyers who represent the victims asking them to
boycott the inquiry if it will not hear from the over-18 group. He
pointed out that at the time he says he was abused at the centre, in
1983 when he was 18, the age of consent for gay men was 21.
“We were sexually abused under the age of consent, so how can they
say they cannot take evidence from more than 1000 young people who were
abused while in the care of the state?” he said. McCabe said he wished the inquiry well but “in its present format it
is not fit for purpose and we are urging Medomsley victims to boycott
it”.
David Greenwood, of Switalskis Solicitors, who represents 300 former
Medomsley inmates, said he was supportive of the child abuse inquiry but
would argue that all Medomsley victims should be heard.
“These young people were imprisoned by the state and were completely
powerless at the time they were abused,” he said. “My clients are
currently asking for a boycott. However, I will argue that the inquiry
should take evidence from all Medomsley victims irrespective of their
age at the time of their abuse. If the inquiry rejects my argument, my
advice to my clients may change.”
A spokesperson for the abuse inquiry said: “The inquiry is bound by
its terms of reference, which are set by the Home Office. Under its
terms of reference, a child means anyone under the age of 18.
However,
the panel will consider abuse of individuals over the age of 18, if that
abuse started when the individual was a minor.”
The Home Office has not responded to the Guardian’s request for a comment.
Durham Police has moved to reassure victims that inquiries into
historic abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre will not be impacted by the
Goddard inquiry upheaval.
The Independent Inquiry into Child
Sexual Abuse (IICSA) fell into disarray after Dame Lowell Goddard
resigned last week following criticism of her salary package and
knowledge of British law.
Dame Goddard was the third chairman to
do so since the IICSA was announced in July 2014 and Professor Alexis
Jay OBE, a former social worker who led an inquiry into child sexual
exploitation in Rotherham, has taken over as chair.
Det Supt Paul
Goundry, senior investigating officer for Operation Seabrook which is
investigating the alleged physical and sexual abuse against detainees at
Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett in the 1970s and 1980s, said the changes to the IICSA will not impact the police investigation.
Det Supt Goundry
said: “Can I take this opportunity to reassure you that nothing has
changed for those of us working on Seabrook and there will be no change.
“The
IICSA is completely separate from any criminal investigations being
carried out by the police and our work will not be affected by Justice
Goddard’s resignation.
“Ourselves and the CPS remain completely
committed to ensuring a thorough and professional investigation and this
will not be affected by any changes to the IICSA.
“Medomsley Detention Centre will continue to be one of the institutions looked at in detail by the independent inquiry.”
It
was announced last November that Medomsley would be a case study within
the ‘children in custodial institutions’ investigations focusing on
institutional failures.
Victims have raised concerns that many
victims’ cases will be ignored as they were over the age of 18 at the
time of the abuse at the detention centre which held young people up to
the age of 21.
Operation Seabrook is one of the biggest child
abuse probes in the UK and detectives have heard from more than 1,350
former inmates who say they were abused at the centre.
The CPS are considering prosecution files on the 31 surviving main suspects identified in the case.
‘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 1970's and 1980's.
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.
The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is Det Supt Paul Goundry
(pictured below) and Det Con Tracey Etchells is the victim co-ordinator.
The 'Seabrook' team has now heard from more than 1,350 former inmates
at Medomsley who have reported they were abused while detained at the
centre.
All of the surviving main suspects - 31 in total - have been
identified, interviewed and prosecution files submitted to the CPS for
advice. This advice will then identify those individuals who are likely
to be charged and also which victims or witnesses are likely to give
evidence.
Update on the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA):
As
many of you will have seen or heard from recent media reports, the
chairman of the IICSA, Dame Lowell Goddard resigned from her post at the
beginning of August.
Some of you have contacted us to ask if
this news has implications for Operation Seabrook, which is to be one of
the cases considered by the IICSA.
Det Supt Paul Goundry said; “Can I take this opportunity to
reassure you that nothing has changed for those of us working on
Seabrook and there will be no change.
“The IICSA is completely
separate from any criminal investigations being carried out by the
police and our work will not be affected by Justice Goddard’s
resignation.
“Ourselves and the CPS remain completely committed to ensuring a
thorough and professional investigation and this will not be affected by
any changes to the IICSA.
“Medomsley Detention Centre will
continue to be one of the institutions looked at in detail by the
independent inquiry and the Government has begun the process of
identifying a successor to Justice Goddard.”
It was announced last November that Medomsley would be a case study
within the ‘Children in Custodial Institutions’ investigations. It
is important to remember that the inquiry will focus on institutional
failures, rather than individual criminal guilt.
Important - If you are a victim and your contact details have
changed, for example, you have moved house or have a new phone
number then please email the Seabrook team or call them via 101 so
they can update their records.
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): National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children 0808 800 5000
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 National Association for People Abused in ChildhoodFreephone 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: The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Darlington and Co Durham) 0191 301 8554
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.
Image caption
Gibson had denied all the charges against him
A retired clergyman has been convicted of "sinister and deliberate" sex abuse in the 1970s and 80s.
Granville
Gibson, 80, abused two men aged 18 and 26 while he was vicar at St
Claire's Church in Newton Aycliffe, Durham Crown Court heard.
He denied the charges but was convicted of two counts of indecent assault after trial. He was cleared of five other charges.
The Church of England issued an "unreserved apology" to the victims.
The
court heard Gibson, who was later made an archdeacon, was guilty of
"sinister and deliberate" sex abuse and a gross breach of trust.
A jury took six hours to find him guilty of indecently assaulting two men who had been working on church property.
Gibson, from Darlington, was found not guilty of one serious sexual offence and four indecent assault charges.
He will be sentenced at a later date.
'Profoundly sorry'
After
the verdicts, the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, said: "We
offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those affected by
this news.
"We commend the bravery of those who brought these
allegations forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this
would have been.
"We are profoundly sorry for the abuse
perpetrated by Mr Gibson and remain committed to doing everything
possible to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people and adults,
who look to us for respect and care.
"Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects."
He added a review would be conducted by the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Group.
Church of England clergyman found guilty of historical sex offences
George Granville Gibson, the former archdeacon of Auckland, is found guilty of the indecent assault of two young men
A senior Church of England clergyman has been found guilty of sex
offences committed against two young men in the 1970s and 80s amid
claims of a church cover-up.
A jury at Durham crown court found George Granville Gibson, 80, the
former archdeacon of Auckland, guilty of two counts of indecent assault
against two men, then aged 18 and 26. He was found not guilty of buggery
and four other charges of indecent assault. Two charges of indecent
assault were dropped.
The court was told that the former bishop of Durham, John Habgood,
had been told about Gibson’s inappropriate behaviour, which occurred
when he was a vicar at St Clare’s Church in Newton Aycliffe. A former
clergyman told the court he “got the push” from the church after raising
concerns about Gibson.
Gibson was found guilty of indecently assaulting that man.
One of those giving evidence against Gibson accused the C of E of a
“massive cover-up”. He said: “I didn’t make a complaint because no one
would believe me, no one would believe that a man of the cloth would do
that. I thought and still think no one would believe me. He was a
vicar.”
The prosecution had set out a case of the senior clergyman’s
“systematic, deliberate” abuse of vulnerable men. Gibson admitted in
court to having had homosexual urges, but said he had only ever been
sexually attracted to men, not young boys.
In 1993, Gibson was promoted to archdeacon of Auckland, effectively number two to the bishop of Durham.
Responding to the verdict, Paul Butler, the present bishop of Durham
and until recently the C of E’s lead bishop on safeguarding, said: “We
offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those affected by
this news. We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations
forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have
been.
“ We are profoundly sorry for the abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and
remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of
children, young people and adults, who look to us for respect and care.
Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has
lifelong effects.”
Butler said he had ordered an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the case.
Gibson was released on bail to be sentenced at a later date.
The Bishop of Durham has apologised for abuse committed by Granville Gibson.
A retired clergyman in the Church of England faces a possible prison sentence after being found guilty of historic sex abuse.
The Rev Granville Gibson, aged 80, was found guilty at Durham Crown
Court on two charges of indecent assault. He was cleared of five other
historic sex offences.
A former member of the General Synod and former Archdeacon of Durham,
he will go on the sex offenders' register. He will be sentenced at a
later date.
The offences took place during his time as vicar of St Clare's,
Newton Aycliffe, the court was told.
The court heart that senior
churchmen knew of allegations against him but no action was taken.
Bishop of Durham Paul Butler said: "Following the conviction today of
the Venerable Granville Gibson on two charges of indecent assault, we
offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those affected by
this news. We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations
forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have
been.
"We are profoundly sorry for the abuse
perpetrated by Mr Gibson and remain committed to doing everything
possible to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people and adults,
who look to us for respect and care. Abuse is a terrible crime and a
grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects."
Bishop of Durham promises review after vicar found guilty of historic sex offences
Former Archdeacon, George Granville Gibson, was found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting men at Durham Crown Court
George Granville Gibson
The Bishop of Durham has apologised after a former vicar was found guilty of indecently assaulting men at his church in the 1970s and 1980s.
The
Church of England has also said it will investigate accusations that
the then Bishop of Durham, John Habgood, swept concerns about the former
Archdeacon George Granville Gibson “under the carpet” after one of his
victim’s approached him.
Gibson, 80, of Worsley Park in
Darlington was found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting
vulnerable men, at St Clares Church, in Newton Aycliffe , where he was a vicar.
One vulnerable victim was just 18-years-old.
He told the court that Gibson - who went on to become the Archdeacon of Auckland during his distinguished career with the Church - appeared to be friendly and caring.
However within a few weeks the vicar’s tickling and play fighting took a sinister turn and he indecently assaulted the teenager.
“I felt sick, I thought it wasn’t happening I thought it was a mistake,” the victim told jurors during the nine day trial.
Durham
Crown Court heard that there had been a “massive cover up” of Gibson’s
abuse, and that a clergyman who raised concerns with Bishop Habgood was
“forced out of the Church of England”.
Gibson abused his revered
position in the church to target vulnerable men who wouldn’t be believed
if they spoke out against him, the prosecution had said.
The
Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said: “Following the conviction
today of the Venerable Granville Gibson on two charges of indecent
assault, we offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those
affected by this news.
“We commend the bravery of those who
brought these allegations forward, acknowledging how difficult and
distressing this would have been.
“We are profoundly sorry for
the abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and remain committed to doing
everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people
and adults, who look to us for respect and care.
“Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects.”
The
Bishop will ask the chair of the diocesan safeguarding management group
to commission a full and independent review of the circumstances
surrounding the case.
Gibson was found not guilty on four further counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery.
Te
former vicar was found not guilty of abusing a third alleged victim who
claimed he was indecently assaulted by Gibson between the ages of 11
and 15.
The jury also found Gibson not guilty of indecently assaulting a teenager at Medomsley Detention Centre.
Gibson appeared unsteady on his feet in the dock but did not show any emotion as the verdicts were delivered.
Judge
Christopher Prince suspended sentencing the 80-year-old until after
guidance is issued from the Court of Appeal in October.
He said: “I don’t want to pass sentencing which would be in conflict with guidance issued by the court of appeal weeks later.”
Gibson has been released on bail until sentencing.
Durham Constabulary arrested the former vicar in his home in April 2014 over the abuse which dates back 39 years.
The
case officer Detective Constable Scott Denham said he hoped that the
convictions would reassure victims of sexual abuse and encourage them to
come forward.
He said: “No matter how long ago the abuse took
place we will carry out inquiries professionally, impartially and
thoroughly, with a view to seeking out all available evidence.
“We will also signpost the victims to any appropriate support and counselling they may need.”
The Bishop of Durham has given an "unreserved apology" to the survivors of sex attacks by a former archdeacon.
Retired clergyman Granville
Gibson, 79, was found guilty after a trial at Durham Crown Court of two
counts of indecent assault, dating back to the late 1970s.
He quickly rose through the clergy in the Diocese of Durham to become Archdeacon of Auckland before his retirement.
A jury cleared him of five other charges.
The Diocese of Durham confirmed a full and independent review of the circumstances surrounding the case had been launched.
In
a statement the Bishop of Durham Rt Rev Paul Butler said: "Following
the conviction today of the Venerable Granville Gibson on two charges of
indecent assault, we offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors
and those affected by this news.
"We commend the bravery of those
who brought these allegations forward, acknowledging how difficult and
distressing this would have been.
"We are profoundly sorry for the
abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and remain committed to doing everything
possible to ensure the well-being of children, young people and adults,
who look to us for respect and care.
"Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects."
He added that his prayers were with everyone involved and that anyone with safeguarding concerns should contact officials.
Former County Durham vicar found guilty of historic sex offences
4 August 2016 at 1:08pm
80 year old Granville Gibson pictured on his way into court Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
A retired senior clergyman has been found guilty of two historic sex offences.
After a trial at Durham Crown Court, 80 year old Granville Gibson was
convicted of two counts of indecent assault against young men.
The charges relate to his time as a vicar in County Durham between 30 and 40 years ago.
Gibson was cleared of a further 5 historic sexual offences, including 2 involving a boy.
Gibson will be placed on the sex offenders' register. He will be sentenced at a later date and was released on bail.
The judge told Gibson that all sentencing options will be open to the court, including custody.
Gibson has held a number of senior roles in the church, including Archdeacon of Auckland in the Diocese of Durham.
The court heard he was also a member of the General Synod.
Following the conviction today of the Venerable Granville Gibson on
two charges of indecent assault, we offer an unreserved apology to all
the survivors and those affected by this news.
We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations
forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have
been.
“We are profoundly sorry for the abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and
remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of
children, young people and adults, who look to us for respect and care.
Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has
lifelong effects.
“Our prayers are with everyone concerned and should anyone be
affected by today’s news or want to share concerns please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Contact Line: 0800 689 4704”
– Right Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham
Anybody with concerns can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Contact Line: 0800 689 4704.
Bishop offers 'unreserved apology' to victims of churchman found guilty of sex abuse
THE Bishop of Durham has called for a “full and independent” review
following the conviction of a former senior clergyman for historic sex
assaults.
It follows claims of a “cover up” over the Church of England’s
handling, at the time, of a complaint over the activities of the now
convicted retired cleric Granville Gibson.
APOLOGY: Bishop of Durham Paul Butler
The 80-year-old churchman, who lives in Darlington, is facing a
possible prison sentence after being found guilty of two counts of
indecent assault at Durham Crown Court.
In the wake of those convictions, for incidents dating back to the
late 1970s and early 80s, when Gibson was vicar at St Clare’s Church, Newton Aycliffe, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, offered a “profound” apology to the victims.
One offence was committed on a teenager carrying out community service
work at the church, while the other conviction involved a young
clergyman in his mid-20s.
During the course of the nine-day trial, the court heard the clergyman
had reported his concerns over Gibson to the then Bishop of Durham, the
Right Reverend Dr John Habgood.
He said he was later told by Bishop Habgood that Gibson had denied the claims and that this was the end of the matter.
Gibson was later promoted under Bishop Habgood’s successor, the Right
Reverend David Jenkins, to become Archdeacon of Auckland, bringing with
it the title of the Venerable Granville Gibson.
Opening the case, last week, prosecutor Paul Cleasby told jurors: “A
clearer example of brushing something under the carpet you could not
wish to find.”
In a statement issued after the guilty verdicts, Bishop Butler said:
“Following the conviction today of the Venerable Granville Gibson on two
charges of indecent assault, we offer an unreserved apology to all the
survivors and those affected by this news.
“We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations
forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have
been.
“We are profoundly sorry for the abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and
remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of
children, young people and adults, who look to us for respect and care.
“Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects.
“I am asking the Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Group
to commission a full and independent review of all the circumstances
surrounding this case, so that we can learn from what has happened.
“We expect that review to take place and report over the next few months.
“Our prayers are with everyone concerned and, should anyone be
affected by today’s news or want to share concerns, please contact the
Diocesan Safeguarding Contact Line: 0800-689 4704.”
Bishop Butler acts as advocate for children among Anglican bishops and chairs the Church’s National Safeguarding Committee.
The court heard that former Bishop Habgood, who went on to become
Archbishop of York, and later a life peer, was now too unwell to be
called to give evidence in the trial.
Fifty years after allegedly suffering horrific punishment at a
teenage detention centre, a Teesside pensioner is giving up on his fight
for justice.
Rod Jones, well known for his mercy missions to
help children in Romania, is one of thousands of former inmates who have
given evidence to police investigations of historic abuse at the
centres.
But
the reformed former armed robber believed the probes, including one
into Kirklevington Grange, are “taking too long” and says most of the
officers who carried out the alleged abuse are now dead.
The
69-year-old was an inmate of Medomsley, in County Durham, when he was
17, and tells of the brutal punishment he claims he suffered for
“getting into a fight” with one of the guards.
“They threw me in a laundry basket and strapped it shut,” he said.
“Then they tipped me over and over the quarter of a mile to the shower block where they put a hose in the basket.
“I could feel myself drowning. It was like water-boarding.
“I lost consciousness and the next thing I knew I was tipped out onto the floor of my cell.”
Rod, who has run the charity Convoy Aid International for 26 years,
claims he also suffered “beating after beating” at the centre.
“Once they even threw a rope into my cell and told me if I didn’t hang myself they would do it for me.”
In desperation to escape the centre Rod, from Middlesbrough , says he admitted to more than 100 offences he never committed.
“But it got me to Borstal,” he said.
The investigation into assaults on inmates at Medomsley, near Consett, is now the biggest child abuse inquiry in the UK.
And
the staggering 1,351 men who have reported being physically or sexually
assaulted while at the reform centre make up half of all alleged
victims in the country, it has been revealed.
“I’ve never got over it, but I’ve had enough now,” Rod told The Gazette.
“They’ve taken years and years over this investigation and I honesty
believe they are going to knock it about until we’re all too old.
“The
majority of prison officers who did this are now probably dead or are
in their 80s and 90s. I don’t think any of them will ever see the inside
of a court room.
“I think the whole investigation is a waste of time.”
Rod says he is now dropping a legal claim and withdrawing from the police inquiry.
He
believes the only justice he and the other victims can ever hope to
achieve is “for the Home Office to admit it happened and say ‘We’re
sorry’.
A VICTIM of brutal physical and sexual abuse at the Medomsley
Detention Centre is withdrawing his police statement, saying he believes
he will be dead before he gets closure.
Rod Jones, from Middlesbrough, says he is dropping a legal claim and
withdrawing from the police inquiry because he feels it is being drawn
out for too long, and said he believed most of the 1,351 victims would
be dead by the time they received an apology, or any compensation.
The 69-year-old was an inmate of Medomsley, near Consett, aged 17, and believed he would end up dead as he underwent brutal assaults after hitting a guard in self-defence.
Mr Jones, who now runs a charity, Convoy Aid International, said
guards threw a rope in his cell one night and told him that if he didn’t
hang himself, they would do it the next morning. He was also nearly
drowned.
In fear, he contacted the police in Middlesbrough and said he had
committed over 130 burglaries – which wasn’t true – just so he could be
moved away from Medomsley. Instead of spending another three months in
the infamous centre he opted instead for three years in borstal.
Mr Jones said: “I get a letter updating me on the investigation every
month and I just feel it drags it all up. What I underwent wasn’t just
abuse, it was torture. This inquiry is taking too long. There’s no point
coming to the cemetery and saying sorry, is there?”
Durham Police’s Det Supt Paul Goundry, senior investigating officer, said victims could opt out of the monthly letter.
He added: “From the outset we said this would be a lengthy and complex
inquiry. While the investigative phase is now virtually complete, there
is still a huge amount of work to do before the CPS can advise on any
potential criminal charges.
We understand the frustration many victims
must feel but all we can do is ask them to be patient while we continue
to progress the investigation.” The Crown Prosecution Service are
expected to decide later this year whether or not to bring criminal
charges, in the country’s biggest investigation into historic sex abuse.
Former Archdeacon of Auckland, George Granville Gibson, denies eight
charges of indecent assault which allegedly took place in the 1970s and
80s
George Granville Gibson
A jury was reminded of a vicar’s good character and successful career
with the Church of England as the sex offences case against him was
brought to a close.
The former Archdeacon of Auckland, George
Granville Gibson, 80, denies eight charges of indecent assault and one
count of buggery which prosecutors allege took place when he was a vicar
at St Clare’s Church in Newton Aycliffe.
Judge
Christopher Prince summed up the case against the former vicar on
Tuesday, and repeated the retired clergyman’s claims that he was never
an exorcist.
The retired former Archdeacon of Durham is said to have abused his position and indecently touching men and boys as young as 12.
Gibson
is accused of indecently touching a young man at Medomsley Detention
Centre, and the court has heard evidence that senior church leaders were
made aware of his actions, but nothing was done.
Judge Prince said: “Everybody is born with a good character, some people retain that and some people lost it.
Prosecuting,
Paul Cleasby said: “The Crown won’t challenge the good character and
career of the defendant and don’t seek to do so.”
Judge Prince
outlined Gibson’s successful career with the Church of England which led
to him rising through the ranks to becoming Archdeacon of Auckland
“effectively second to the Bishop of Durham”.
The Judge also mentioned Gibson’s early career as an organiser for the Boys’ Brigade.
“He
said that he has had contact with young people since 1962 until the end
of his career with the ministry in 2001,” he told the jury.
Judge Prince reiterated Gibson’s denials of ever being attracted to young boys or working as an exorcist.
He said: “He told you that was not an exorcist, but that he dealt with paranormal activity as a vicar.
“He said he had never had homosexual thoughts about boys, only about men.”
Judge
Prince is set to finish summing the case on Wednesday at Durham Crown
Court. He urged the jury to look only at the evidence when coming to
their verdicts and said: “Emotion is the enemy of reason, you must put
emotion to one side.”
Gibson, of Worsley Park, Darlington, denies all charges.
A FORMER minister admitted for the first time today that he had
wrapped his legs around an 18-year-old who was performing community
service work at the church.
Cross-examined on the fifth day of his trial at Durham Crown Court,
where he denies six counts of indecent assault and one other serious
offence, retired clergyman Granville Gibson, said there was nothing
sexual in the contact.
The 80-year old former Archdeacon of Auckland, who now lives in
Darlington, is said to have committed the offences earlier in his Church
career when he was a minister at St Clare’s at Newton Aycliffe in the late 1970s and early 80s.
Two alleged victims were teenage males while a third was a young churchman in his mid-20s at the time.
Mr Gibson told the court that because of the difficult situation of
offenders who were doing community service at the church he would bring
some “light-hearted banter” into the situation by making jokes and
“acting on” and have a “throw about a bit” at times.
He said: “It was common garden acting on really, as I did from time to time as I did with my own kids.”
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby said: “But these were young offenders. Did you think it was appropriate to be touching them?”
Mr Gibson replied: “I did what I thought was appropriate at the time.”
He had earlier said that he had no recollection of the 18-year-old, who complained of being abused by him.
Mr Cleasby reminded him the victim had alleged that the abuse started
when Mr Gibson sat on the edge of desk and wrapped his legs around him
and pulled him toward him in a sexually aroused state.
He replied: “I do remember the desk. I do remember sitting on it and
from time to time as he passed me he would stretch out with his hand and
I would do the same - and yes occasionally I would put my legs around
his lower legs and we would have a tussle.”
When Mr Cleasby said that this was the first time in the whole
proceedings that he had made the confession, Mr Gibson said: “It’s the
first time I’ve been asked.”
The married father-of-four is accused of committing one of the
offences during a surprise unsupervised visit see the teenager, shortly
after he was admitted to the former Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett.
Another victim who attended the church said he was regularly abused by
Mr Gibson, at the time believing he was being comforted by the “touchy
feely” churchman.
Mr Gibson said he accepted cuddling the boy, by “bending down and giving him a hug”.
Asked how long the hug was, he said: “Not very long, but I didn’t have a stopwatch with me.”
