Medomsley Detention Centre – Child Abuse Investigation
A 10 year old investigation into child abuse at a former County Durham detention centre was reopened last year following further allegations against inmates and staff.
The investigation was reopened in August, 2013. Since this time, Durham Police has received 143 statements documenting the crimes that took place.
Victim Speaks Out
Ray Poar has waived his right to anonymity and has spoken openly of his ordeal at Medomsley.
Mr Poar was 17 when he was placed in the facility – as punishment for stealing biscuits. He recalls being woken after wetting the bed, and being forced to bunny hop naked in the showers.
He said:
them and complain to them about what had happened with Husband because they
were part of it, they were the ones that were kicking us about every day.
The odd punch in the arm, the ribs, the back of the knees, every
day they were doing it. You had nobody to talk to.”
The investigation highlighted Neville Husband and Leslie Johnson as being two staff members at the centre of the paedophile ring. The men were imprisoned in 2003 and 2005 respectively, and have both since died.
Renewed Investigation
Det Supt Paul Goundry has described Medomsley as a “brutal regime”, commenting that:
certainly be raped and sexually assaulted”
Mr Goundry has outlined three key objectives. These are to uncover exactly what happened, to then bring those responsible to account, and to offer support to victims.
If you think you, or someone you know, may have been affected by events at Medomsley – or by any similar case – and you would like expert advice, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email
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