Tag: Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Medomsley Detention Centre – Compensation for Abuse Victims

Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham was a correctional facility for young male offenders, operating from 1961 until the late 1980s. It was created to provide an alternative prison for boys and young men aged 17-21, with the aim of deterring inmates from committing more serious crimes later in life.

 

WHAT HAPPENED AT MEDOMSLEY?

 

Reports of physical abuse started to emerge in 1967, when David Watkins MP raised concerns about the treatment of inmates at the facility, after hearing claims from a mother that her teenage son was subjected to repeated beatings. The victim spent five weeks in hospital receiving treatment.

 

Mr Watkins took his complaint to the then Home Secretary but was told the claim was unsubstantiated. The matter was not pursued.

 

However, in 2003, prison officer Neville Husband was convicted of raping inmates throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was suspected of operating as part of a paedophile ring and further investigations led to the arrest of Leslie Johnson, a storeman at Medomsley.

 

In 2013, Durham Police Force launched ‘Operation Seabrook’ to investigate allegations of sexual and physical abuse, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. To date, 1,848 men have come forward to police to report allegations of abuse while detained at the centre.

 

Both Husband and Johnson have since died in prison of natural causes, and further cases have been brought against other staff members working at the centre.

 

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MEDOMSLEY VICTIMS?

 

It is believed that hundreds of boys and young men suffered at the hands of abusive staff at Medomsley, with a ‘short, sharp shock’ policy implemented to steer offenders away from a life of crime. However, the regime was, in fact, described as brutal and violent.

 

For some, the ordeal stretched to sexual abuse, with victims being raped ‘almost on a daily basis’.

 

Victims later told how their experiences there have had a major impact on the rest of their lives, with some reporting they hadn’t slept well for more than 30 years due to the severe anxiety and stress it caused.

 

HOW HAVE VICTIMS BEEN COMPENSATED?

 

It is estimated that In excess of £3 million has been awarded in out-of-court settlements to the victims of physical and sexual abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre.

 

Those who were physically abused can apply for between £1,750 and £5,000 subject to the amount of time served in Medomsley and permanent nature of injuries sustained.

 

Among those who suffered is victim Gary Wallace, who told the BBC that some wardens were “definitely sadistic”. He said: “If they did go a bit over and give you a black eye and you were due a visit they would cancel the visit by saying you weren’t too well, or you didn’t want to see them.”

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE A VICTIM AT MEDOMSLEY?

 

At Hampson Hughes, we have a team of highly experienced legal experts, who have acted for many victims of physical and sexual abuse, including those affected by the traumatic events at Medomsley Detention Centre. We recognise the trauma survivors have to deal with on a daily basis and handle all cases in a sensitive and confidential manner.

 

We are here to listen, advise and support you every step of the way. We provide access to the support services you need and ensure you achieve the compensation you deserve, so you can start to seek a sense of justice and closure.

 

For further information and free, no-obligation advice, contact our team on 0800 888 6888 or find about more about our work supporting victims of criminal injury and sexual abuse.

£15,000 Compensation Awarded Following Attack

Image of blue and white police tape

Our team of dedicated personal injury solicitors in Liverpool recently secured criminal injury compensation for a client who was injured in an unprovoked attack, resulting in £15,000 compensation.

The incident occurred as our client was at a local recycling centre dropping off an old fridge when he was attacked with an iron bar. The client suffered from injuries to his head with cuts and bruises to his face and a black eye.

The medical expert who examined our client for the purposes of the claim recommended that he was to be further referred for psychological treatment.

Also included within the criminal injury settlement were claims for loss of earnings due to the time the client had to take off work.

Commenting after their case was settled, our client said:

“I am very pleased with the outcome of my claim, the full circle service I received from Hampson Hughes was excellent”.

Criminal injury compensation – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email m.

Paedophile Jailed for 18 Years for Sexual Abuse

A man has been jailed for eighteen years after he pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of two young girls over a five year period.

Sexual abuse – guilty plea

Dean Manning, of Congleton in Cheshire, pleaded guilty to 20 charges relating to sexual exploitation and ill-treatment at Cambridge Crown Court yesterday.

The 49 year old pleaded guilty to 12 counts relating to the rape, attempted rape and other sexual abuse of the two children. He also admitted six counts of inciting children to engage in sexual activity, and a further two counts of causing unnecessary suffering through ill-treatment.

Sentencing

Manning was handed 20 concurrent jail terms of at least four years each of his crimes. He was given a 26 year sentence, with an additional eight years on license as well as the eighteen year jail term. The paedophile will have to serve at least twelve years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

Judge David Farrell QC, also ordered Manning to sign the sex offenders register for life, and he was made subject to a life-long sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet usage. Furthermore, Manning had to pay a victim surcharge.

Praising the victims’ bravery in coming forward, DI Lynda Coates, from the joint child protection investigation team, said:

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Manning’s crimes and the devastating impact his actions have had on his victims.

“His abuse of young girls spanned over a number of years, and his victims have been incredibly brave in coming forward and speaking to police.

“I believe Manning still represents a significant risk to girls so I welcome the lengthy sentence that he has been given, which will protect the public from further harm.

“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, we have dedicated specialist officers who can support you and I would urge you to make contact with police.”

Sexual assault & abuse compensation claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual assault or abuse or by any instance of non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse claims, and we guarantee your confidentiality at all times. For further information, and to discover how we could help you, begin a conversation with our experienced and friendly team. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: The Comet

Man Drives into Police Cordon after Being Stabbed in London

A man drove into a police cordon in East Dulwich, South London yesterday after being stabbed.

Stabbing victim

Police were investigating a car crash when the victim, a man in his 20s, drove through police tape desperate for help. The man was ‘covered in blood’ when he got out of his vehicle, after narrowly missing officers reopening the road, Lordship Lane.

One witness, 27 year old James Stott, said:

“I though the car was going to hit a police officer then it came to a really sudden stop and a man got out covered in blood.

“The next minute he was on the floor getting treated. It looked like he’d been stabbed in the stomach.”

Investigation

A police spokesperson confirmed that detectives are working to investigate how the man sustained his serious injuries. They added:

“Enquiries continue to establish how and where the man came to sustain his injuries.

“It is not linked to the original collision that officers were dealing with.

“No arrests, enquiries continue.

“Officers from Southwark investigate.”

Scotland Yard said the victim was in a critical condition at a hospital in South London.

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Evening Standard

Fred Talbot Jailed for Historic Sex Offences

Former TV weatherman Fred Talbot has been jailed for a total of four years for historic sex offences.

Historic sex offences

The 67 year old was a biology teacher at a Manchester school at the time of the offences. Talbot sexually assaulted the boys on various camping trips to Scotland. The attacks took place in two different locations – one near Moffat in southern Scotland, and one on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. The offences took place between 1978 and 1981 and were against boys aged fifteen to seventeen.

Trial

During his trial, the court heard from a number of witnesses – all men now in their 50s – who spoke of how Talbot abused his position of trust.

One man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he was sexually assaulted after a trip to a pub had left him ‘very much worse for wear’. Another victim told the court he was sexually assaulted by Talbot on an excursion to the Caledonian Canal in 1979. He described the attack as having left him ‘petrified’.

Ian Brown, 54, former front man of Manchester band the Stone Roses, also gave evidence at the trial. Although not a victim of Talbot himself, he told the court how he would never forget how Talbot had invited one of his young friends to sleep in his tent on a school camping trip.

Sentencing

Sentencing Talbot at Lanark Sheriff Court, Sheriff Nikola Stewart told the former ITV presenter he had taken advantage of the innocence of his victims.

Talbot was jailed for a total of four years after being charged with seven historic sex offences. His sentence will commence on 14 August, after he has finished serving a previous five-year jail term for the indecent assault of two 14-year-old boys.

Sexual assault & abuse compensation claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual assault or abuse or by any instance of non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse claims, and we guarantee your confidentiality at all times. For further information, and to discover how we could help you, begin a conversation with our experienced and friendly team. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: BBC News

Brothers Admit Domestic Abuse of Mother & Sister

Two men have been jailed after it was discovered that they had subjected both their mother and sister to over a year of domestic abuse.

‘Unimaginable’ abuse

25 year old Faisal Hussein and his younger brother Arbaaz Ahmed, 19, gave their family members just £1 a month to buy sanitary products and would not let them turn on the taps in their home. They were forced instead to wash using a small bucket of water.

Judge Jonathan Rose told Bradford Crown Court that the brother’s assault of their sister, 30, was ‘almost unimaginable to any decent human being’. He went on to say that the mother and sister were ‘essentially slaves’.

Sustained attack

The court heard how the two men used an array of weapons during the sustained and repeated assault on their sister, including the buckle of a belt, a wooden spoon and a shoe.

On the day of the attack, May 16 this year, the sister was ordered into the living room were the two men proceeded to slap her head and face repeatedly. Ahmed then struck his sister with the metal buckle of a belt, before hitting her with a wooden spoon so hard it broke in two. Hussein went on to strike his sister with a shoe.

The pair then kicked their sibling to the floor, where they continued to punch and kick her. Hussein and Ahmed eventually kicked her out of the house and a member of the public alerted police after seeing the woman in a distressed state.

Sentencing

Hussein and Ahmed, both of Bradford, admitted assaulting their sister Ruhee Hussein.

The brothers also admitted using controlling and coercing behaviour on her and their mother, Nasara Hussein, 53, between January 1, 2016 and May 16, 2017.

Furthermore, both were made the subject of a five-year restraining order prohibiting them from contacting the complainants.

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Mail Online

Criminal Injury | Man’s Ear is Bitten Off in Attack

A 22 year old man was the victim of criminal injury when he had his ear bitten off in an early morning attack near a petrol station.

Violent attack

Ryan Harrison was left with life changing injuries after being assaulted by an Esso forecourt in Rugely, Staffordshire. The attack took place at around 2am on 27 May this year. Unfortunately, even after a total of thirteen hours of surgery Ryan’s ear could not be reattached.

His family are now appealing for witnesses to the attack. Ryan’s aunt, Kerry Ball, told a local newspaper:

‘We urge people to come forward with information, no matter how big or small, if they think it could help in any way possible.

‘We cannot allow people capable of such a thing to be on our streets.

‘Ryan needs justice as this is a life-changing incident.

‘We would never wish this on others and, while they are still walking the streets, there is a risk of it happening again.’

Witness appeal

Witnesses saw three men near the area after the attack, one of which had blood on his clothing.

Staffordshire police confirmed the arrest of a 21 year old male, from Bloxwich, West Midlands, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. However he was later released. A spokesperson for the force added:

‘We received a call just after 2.35am on Saturday May 27 to reports that a 22-year-old man being seriously assaulted on the forecourt of the Esso Service Station on Western Springs Road, Rugeley.

‘The victim, from Rugeley, received serious injuries to his ear and was taken to hospital in Nottingham.’

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Staffordshire Police on 101.

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Mail Online

Criminal Injury Compensation Secured Following Attack

Our team of dedicated personal injury solicitors recently secured criminal injury compensation for a client who was injured in an unprovoked attack while at work.

Incident

On the day of the incident, the claimant had intended to car share with a colleague – the defendant – on their morning journey to work. However, when our client arrived at their colleague’s house, they were not ready to leave.

Our client then called his employer to enquire as to what actions should be taken next. The Claimant was told to continue to work without his colleague, so he did.

Attack

On the journey to their place of work, our client received a threatening text from the defendant that read:

“Watch what happens.”

That same day, the Defendant approached our client at their place of work, and proceeded to physically attack them. The claimant was head butted, punched and kicked in the face by the defendant.

Injuries

As a result our client sustained lacerations to his face above his eye which required four stitches, as well as losing a tooth. Four other teeth were also damaged in the attack and extensive dental care was needed.

Successful outcome

On this occasion Hampson Hughes Solicitors secured a total of £608 in criminal injury compensation for our client.

Criminal injury compensation – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email m.

Groom Who Raped Stranger Hours Before Wedding is Jailed

A 28 year old man has been handed a life sentence for sexual assault after he raped a woman just hours before he was due to get married in January this year.

Derry McCann, 28, raped a woman, 24, as she walked back from an art show in East London. Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how McCann dragged his victim into Victoria Park and subjected her to a two hour long sexual attack, in which he raped her and stole her bra and mobile phone.

Sexual assault – 2006 Attack

The court also heard how McCann was on parole at the time of the January attack. He was jailed in 2006 for sexually assaulting another woman in nearby Mile End Park, in an extremely similar incident.

McCann was just 17 at the time of the 2006 incident and alleged that the sex was consensual. However, he was convicted of one count of robbery, two of sexual assault, one of sexual assault by penetration, one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity, six counts of rape and one of attempted rape.

McCann was sentenced to life in prison, serving a minimum of 3,094 days, but he appealed and was released on parole in December 2015.

Sexual assault – Second incident

Prosecuting, Kate Bex QC told the court that McCann had been drinking with his girlfriend and family in a pub on the night of the latest sexual assault, before leaving for Victoria Park shortly before midnight. CCTV footage captured him following another woman before the one he attacked.

The court heard how he subjected his victim to demeaning sexual acts during a “long drawn out psychological game”, repeatedly asking her “what are we doing”. Bex added that when his victim replied “you are raping me” he appeared to like hearing the phrase.

Arrest & sentencing

McCann was arrested for the sexual assault in January due to the ‘striking’ similarities to the 2006 attack. He pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration and robbery.

Judge Martyn Zeidman, sentencing, told the court McCann would not be considered for parole for at least nine years, adding that it may never happen.

“The parole board will need to appreciate that in my view you are, and are likely to remain, an exceptionally dangerous violent criminal who poses the most dire [sic] risk to women even after the expiry of the minimum term.”

The judge went on to say he was sending a copy of his remarks directly to the board.

Judge Zeidman said:

“Friday 13 January 2017 is a date that your victim will never forget. You behaved as a monster. Raping the victim in every possible way, and doing it in a manner that amounted to torture. Playing mind games, asking her what she thought you were going to do next and taunting her for almost two hours.

“In addition to the physical pain you set out to degrade and humiliate her in ways that are so cruel and gross that I will not identify them any further. I am worried that you might even relish a recital of them.

“Just hours later you married your pregnant girlfriend. I just wonder what sentence you would impose if someone had done this to your wife or female friends.

“This wrongdoing is made even worse by the serious violence that you have carried out before.”

He added that the 2006 offence was a “further horrendous rape with many aggravating features”. The Judge told McCann he had taken his guilty plea and remorse into account when sentencing.

Sexual assault & abuse compensation claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual assault or abuse or by any instance of non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual assault and abuse claims, and we guarantee your confidentiality at all times. For further information, and to discover how we could help you, begin a conversation with our experienced and friendly team. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Guardian

Criminal Injury | Man Prosecuted for Scalding Incident

A man has been prosecuted for causing criminal injury after he poured a kettle of boiling water over another man during an altercation over drugs.

YMCA attack

Liverpool Crown Court heard how both James Wishart, 30, and Mohammed Mohammedi had been staying at the YMCA on Leeds Street in Liverpool city centre on the day of the incident, 22 October 2016.

The court heard how Mr Mohammedi, who along with Wishart was staying at the hostel due a substance abuse problem, was in his room talking to another man. Wishart then knocked on the door and was invited into the room by Mr Mohammedi. Henry Riding, prosecuting, told the court that this was when Wishart began to ask for money, before accusing the other of stealing his drugs.

As Mr Mohammedi attempted to calm him down, Wishart turned the kettle on, saying that he wanted a cup of tea. The argument continued and Wishart picked up the kettle and poured boiling water all over Mr Mohammedi’s head. He then proceeded to pour the scalding water over his arms and back.

The victim tried to flee the room but he was restrained at first by Wishart and another resident, before he was then hit by Wishart.

Mr Mohammedi was admitted to hospital following the attack, where he was treated for 9% burns to his neck, shoulder, arm and ear.

Liverpool Crown Court

In court Mr Riding did not try to suggest that Wishart had put the kettle on in order to scald Mr Mohammedi, however he added that pouring boiling water over someone could be liked to an acid attack. He went on to say that the kettle was used as a weapon.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how the victim did not wish to make a victim statement and that his burns were ‘healing very well’.

Jeremy Coleman, defending, said his client was remorseful and glad to hear his victim’s burns were superficial and healed well. Mr Coleman said it was fortunate the injuries, which also included cuts to the face, were not more serious. However, Judge Rachel Smith said she had to assess the harm that could have been caused by his actions.

She said:

“This defendant is extremely lucky that by tipping a kettle of boiling water over his victim he didn’t cause potentially life changing injuries, and/or cosmetic injuries that could have lasted throughout his victim’s life.”

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your criminal injury claim.

We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.

There is, however, a government scheme that provides compensation to those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Liverpool Echo