Sunday 28 January 2018

Up to 17 former custody officers face sex abuse and other charges as police probe paedophile ring at youth detention centre

  • Up to 17 former custody officers may face charges of sex abuse and other crimes
  • Medomsley Youth Detention Centre became the centre of a police investigation
  • Evidence indicates that 14 children reported the abuse after they departed
  • However it is believed that the complaints were not followed up
  • As part of a different investigation, police are looking into a potential paedophile ring at the detention centre
Following an investigation at a closed youth detention centre, as many as 17 former custody officers may be charged with sexual abuse and other crimes.

Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham became the centre of a police investigation, with over 1,500 victims involved in the enquiry.

Operation Seabrook, which has been looking into the alleged incidents, has discovered evidence which indicates that abuse was reported by 14 children as soon as they departed Medomsley, reports the Sunday Times.

 Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham became the centre of a police investigation, with over 1,500 victims involved in the enquiry

However, it appears that these complaints were not followed up.
Medomsley, in Consett, closed in 1988.

As part of a different investigation, police are looking into a potential paedophile ring at the detention centre, which infamous Neville Husband is believed to have been involved in.

After a 2003 investigation, warden Neville Husband was jailed for 12 years.
Det Supt Paul Goundry, former head of safeguarding for Durham Constabulary said in 2013: 'Neville Husband preyed on some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society and left many of them with mental scars which have lasted a lifetime.

Former detainee John McCabe (left) revealed last year was attacked by members of a gang he said raped him 'every single day' at Medomsley. Neville Husband (right) abused him
Another officer, Leslie Johnson, was imprisoned for six years following the same investigation.

County Durham Police have charged seven former staff with a number of offences including corruption, physical abuse and sexual abuse. 

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.

Former detainee John McCabe revealed last year was attacked by members of a gang he said raped him 'every single day' at Medomsley. He says he was abused by Neville Husband.

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.

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