It’s not too late to claim compensation if you suffered abuse whilst at Medomsley Detention Centre.
The Scheme to compensate victims who suffered physical abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre has been extended. On 30th March 2023, the Government Legal Department extended the Physical Abuse Settlement Scheme and will provide a further update in December 2023. In the meantime, the Scheme will remain open for the submission of new claims and sexual abuse claims will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Medomsley Detention Centre, Consett, was a prison for young male offenders from 1961 until its closure in 1988. It provided a place for young offenders aged 16-21 as an alternative to mainstream prison. In 2013, Durham Constabulary launched an investigation into allegations of systematic sexual, physical, and mental abuse by a cohort of prison officers spanning 25 years. Named “Operation Seabrook”, it is one of the largest investigations of its kind in the UK and is supported by a dedicated team of officers. Nearly 2,000 men, to date, have come forward to report allegations of abuse at Medomsley that spanned 25 years.
The initial scheme was restricted to five officers, Christopher Onslow, John McGee, Brian Greenwell, Kevin Blakely, and Alan Bramley, originally convicted of physically abusing detainees each was sentenced to a maximum sentence of eight years. Two other officers, Ian Nicholson and Alexander Flavell, were awaiting trial but in December 2021 Nicholson died and Flavell is now suffering from dementia. The Court has confirmed the trial against Flavell will proceed in his absence.
The extended scheme removed the requirement for the officer in question to be convicted before a claim can be made. To be eligible victims will need evidence that they were in the detention centre at the same time as the officer who physically abused them.
Alistair Smith, specialist Historic Abuse Solicitor at Watson Woodhouse says, “A lot of years have passed, and we don’t want claimants to be deterred by the thought of a long application process, it’s really not. It’s as easy as a 15-minute call with a member of our team to establish the year(s) you were detained and any personal knowledge or interactions you remember with the officers. After that, we complete the application process and go on to source the PNC evidence number required to proceed for you. Around 90% of our clients are successful and receive between £1750 and £5000 compensation depending on the criteria and their level & longevity of suffering”.
We are able to work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis with no deduction taken from the compensation awarded, as costs are settled by the Ministry of Justice. This means the full compensation goes to the clients, whereas other Solicitors may deduct a charge of up to 25% of any compensation awarded.
How Watson Woodhouse Can Help
We are here to help.
Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656.
Alternatively, complete our online contact form or email medomsley@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk and one of our solicitors will be in touch
Watson Woodhouse Solicitors provide support to clients throughout England and Wales.