Medomsley Detention Centre Abuse Claims

Browell Smith & Co Solicitors would like to remind our clients that we are here to support victims of historical abuse and sexual abuse, like those of you who have suffered at the Medomsley Detention Centre. Any claimants via Browell Smith & Co Solicitors will receive 100% of the compensation due to them. Here, Philip Browell, Solicitor and Kirsty Dockerty, Legal Clerk at Newcastle law firm Browell Smith & Co, outlines the steps to take if you would like to pursue a claim for historical abuse:

What happened at Medomsley Detention Centre?

If you were not already aware, Medomsley Detention Centre was a male youth Detention Centre in Consett, County Durham where thousands of men between the ages of 17-21 have claimed they were abused. The Detention Centre opened in around 1961 and operated until 1998 when it closed. The claims have been against prison guards and include physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Five of the prison officers have now been jailed.

An ongoing Criminal investigation entitled ‘Operation Seabrook’ was formed by a task force at Durham Constabulary in 2013. This is one of the largest Police investigations in the UK. Since then, many members of staff have been convicted for abusing the men who were detained there. In addition, two more Officers are still awaiting a Trial date.

Is there a scheme specific to victims from Medomsley?

A Scheme has been developed by The Medomsley Steering Group that can provide compensation to former inmates at present in relation to physical abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre. The compensation through the Scheme is based on the length the victim was detained and can also include compensation for lasting psychological or physical injury which must be based on medical evidence.

The Physical Abuse Scheme involves three different categories for compensation:

Category 1
Your sentence at Medomsley was for three months or less and suffered abuse: £1750.00 in compensation

Category 2
Your sentence was for more than three months and suffered abuse: £2500.00 in compensation

Category 3
You have medical evidence to prove that you suffered a lasting physical or psychological injury as a direct result of the abuse from Medomsley: between £3000.00 and £5000.00 compensation

Don’t delay – contact our expert team today.

Kirsty Dockerty

Legal Clerk - Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Philip Browell

Solicitor & Senior Director

Kirklevington Detention Centre

Similar to Medomsley Detention Centre, Kirklevington Detention Centre was for young offenders between 14 and 17 years old. There have been claims and allegations from former inmates about the physical, sexual and abuse they experienced from the prison officers during the 1970s up until the 1990s.

Cleveland Police have opened up an investigation on these allegations under ‘Operation Magnolia’ – anyone who has not already contacted the police and feels they are a victim should do so by calling Cleveland Police on 101.

Making a claim for historical abuse

Call Kirsty Dockerty on 0191 250 3213 or email kirsty.dockerty@browells.urdev.co.uk

If you believe that you were mistreated at the hands of Medomsley, Kirklevington or another organisation or individual, contact a reputable personal injury solicitor who can advise on your best options.

Browells has been handling historical sexual abuse cases for decades and is experienced with helping victims from Medomsley, amongst other cases. Contact us for professional and transparent advice to determine if you have a claim.

Please note that the closing date for the scheme is 1st January 2022.

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