Tag: sexual abuse

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.

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

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

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

Child Sexual Abuse in Football | 250 Potential Suspects

Close up image of a football on a football pitch

Officers investigating child sexual abuse within football in the UK have now identified over 250 potential suspects and 560 victims.

Operation Hydrant

The inquiry, Operation Hydrant, is being co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and involves around 311 football clubs, across all leagues.

The latest update involving the inquiry came in January and at the time the number of potential suspects was 184, while the number of victims stood at 526.

According to the inquiry, the victims that have come forward are aged between four and twenty years, at the time of the abuse. Furthermore, 96% of victims are male.

Child sexual abuse in football

Last year a support hotline was set up after a number of ex-footballers – some of which with professional careers – reported they had been sexually abused as children by coaches and scouts involved in the game.

Since the hotline was set up, police forces all across the UK have reported an increased number of calls from people offering information, as well as victims.

However, this child sexual abuse scandal is not just confined to football. The NPCC has stated that 25 referrals to Operation Hydrant involve sports other than football. The inquiry has received complaints from victims of child sexual abuse involved in martial arts, rugby, golf, tennis, sailing, swimming, wrestling and gymnastics.

The Football Association has also launched an independent review into its handling of child sexual abuse allegations in the years prior to 2005. Clive Sheldon QC is leading the independent review.

Sexual abuse & assault compensation claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual 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

Vicar Admits Possessing 179 Child Sex Abuse Images

An Essex vicar has recently admitted to being in possession of almost 200 images of child sex abuse.

Child sex abuse images

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Reverend Peter Low downloaded an assortment of images, some of which depicted the most serious category of child sex abuse.

In total, the 65 year old admitted to possessing 179 images depicting child sex abuse. 55 of those images were classed as indecent, nine of which were said to be at the most serious level. A further 124 images of child sex abuse in the Reverend’s possession were classed as ‘prohibited’.

Guilty plea

Low pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing prohibited images of children.

Low, a clergyman of the United Benefice of Heybridge with Langford in Essex, is due to be sentenced on 2 May 2017. As part of his bail conditions he must have no contact with under 18s, unless supervised.

Response from Diocese of Chelmsford

The Diocese of Chelmsford said it was ‘appalled’, adding that online abuse of children “is not tolerated by the church”.

A spokesman for the Diocese went on to say that Low remained suspended from all his duties as a vicar and will face investigation after sentencing. The spokesman added:

“The diocese is appalled that a clergyman has fallen so far short of the standards expected by the church.

“The diocese strives to uphold the highest standards in safeguarding policy, training, practice and disciplinary action.

“The online abuse of children destroys childhoods and devastates society.

“It is not tolerated by the church.”

Sexual abuse claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse and assault 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 .

Paediatrician Jailed over Child Sex Abuse Images

A North Devon paediatrician has been jailed for the distribution of films and images containing the most severe child sex abuse.

Police raid in 2015

47 year old Dr Jonathon Walsh was arrested in 2015 after police raided his home. Officers from the child exploitation unit seized his computer and a memory stick during the search. No child sex abuse images were found at the time, however there was significant evidence that he had been accessing child sex abuse material, as well using file wiping software.

Child sex abuse images

Walsh, a respected consultant paediatrician in the children’s and adolescent services department of the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, was sacked from his job after admitting 17 charges relating to child sex abuse images. The charges included nine counts of distributing indecent images of children, as well as six counts of making them.

Exeter Crown Court heard how Walsh told his solicitors he downloaded the content because he was ‘bored’ with his job.

The court also heard how none of the material related to patients at the North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple. However, the vast majority of the footage related to ‘Category A’ images – the most serious of its kind – and some videos were several hours long.

Sentencing

Judge Geoffrey Mercer told him:

“Over a period of at least some months, the precise period is unclear, you were involved in downloading and distributing extreme movies and images portraying sexual abuse of children and you went to considerable lengths to try and conceal what it was you were doing. You are 47 years old and a man of good character and I have read a number of references provided by people on your behalf who speak very highly of you.

“You have practised as a paediatrician for a number of years. To state that your sexual interest in children, which outlines these offences, causes real concern in relation to someone in your position is a massive understatement. But it needs to be clearly understood that there was no offending in the context of your work and these offences were non contact offences.

“Your career is now, of course, at an end. To quote from you from one of your letters you have written to me ‘through my actions I have lost my job, my career and my reputation and caused great harm to the ones I love.”

Walsh was sentenced to three years for each of the distributing offences. He was sentenced to a further 12 months for downloading offences. All sentences will run concurrently.

NSPCC response

An NSPCC spokesman said:

“Although it has been acknowledged that none of the images related to patients at the hospital, Walsh was working in a position of significant responsibility and trust when he comitted these crimes. Behind every image of online child abuse is a child who has suffered a horrific ordeal in the real world. It’s clear from Walsh’s extensive library that his only care was his own twisted gratification and it is right that he now faces the consequences of his actions.”

Response from Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

George Thomson, medical director for Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, added:

“This case has deeply shaken everybody at NDHT and we know it has been a shock to the community. We have worked closely with the police throughout this case and we know that none of these crimes relate to contact offences, and none of the images relate to patients at North Devon District Hospital.

“At the launch of the police investigation in September 2015 we took immediate action to exclude Dr Walsh from working at the Trust and informed the General Medical Council. Dr Walsh was dismissed with immediate effect when he was charged in June.”

Sexual abuse claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse and assault 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: devonlive.com

Domestic Abuse Victims: Two Year Wait for Compensation

Image of bronze statue of justice

The latest government statistics show that domestic abuse victims have to wait an average of nearly two years to receive compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

The CICA is the government body that awards compensation to people who have been blameless victims of violent crimes, both physical and mental.

The CICA customer charter states that applicants can expect to wait up to twelve months to receive compensation. However, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), its most recent figures revealed that it takes an average of 612 days, or 20 months, for the CICA to pay out.

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, expressed his concern over the delays:

“It is truly sickening that victims of domestic violence are treated with such utter disregard.

“Domestic violence is still horribly common, and the fact that so many women, and some men, suffer from these crimes and are then let down by the government in their time of need, is an indication of the shamelessness of this Tory government. These delays must end immediately and this department must be properly resourced. No excuses are acceptable.”

Delay could be ‘beneficial’

Justice minister Phillip Lee revealed the statistics in a written answer to Fiona Haggart, Labour MP and a member of the all-party parliamentary group on domestic violence. Lee added that more than 230 victims received compensation in 2016, with a minimum payout of £1000. The average payout for a domestic abuse victim if £7,500.

Lee went on to say that in some cases a delay could prove beneficial to the victim, as it would allow assessment of long-term implications of any injuries or mental health issues:

“In some complex cases, where medical treatment is ongoing or the level of recovery is unknown, it may be in the best interests of an applicant not to settle their claim until the long-term implications of an injury can be properly assessed.”

Attempts to improve efficiency

According to the MoJ, CICA has developed an online portal and increased staff levels by around 15% in order to improve efficiency.

Since November 2016, victims have had the option to give declarations online or verbally agree to a statement over the phone. CICA said this method would reduce the time between a declaration and a decision.

Recently the government have moved to reduce the amount of stress felt by domestic abuse victims when it comes to dealing with the legal process. Following the acquittal of Ched Evans, former Sheffield United footballer convicted of rape in 2011, based on evidence given by his accuser’s former partner’s a campaign was launched by women’s rights and victim support groups. The campaign has led to new legislative measures preventing victims from being interrogated in court by former partner’s.

Abuse & criminal injury claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical or non-physical abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on abuse and sexual assault 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

Football Coach Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse

Close up image of a football on a football pitch

Another widely respected football coach, who is responsible for helping launch the careers of a number of household names, has been arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse.

Career

Michael Sean ‘Kit’ Carson coached at Norwich City from 1983 until 1993, before moving to Peterborough United. There he spent eight years, from 1993 to 2001, as Academy director. A string of players he coached at Peterborough went on to play at Premier League level.

After leaving Peterborough United, Carson went on to become head of talent development at Cambridge United between 2001 and 2005.

Arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse

The 73 year old coach was arrested at the end of January on suspicion of indecency with children and indecent assault.

Carson’s two former clubs have been working closely with police since the child sexual abuse in football scandal hit headlines last at the end of 2016.

Carson has since been released on bail until March 6th 2017.

Connection to Bob Higgins

Bob Higgins, the former Southampton coach who has been named in connection with allegations of historical child sexual abuse, also worked at Peterborough while Carson was there. The pair would have worked together for around 12 months at the club.

Carson paid tribute to the efforts of Higgins while at the club, telling the Peterborough Guardian when he left:

Higgins has denied all allegations of child sexual abuse.

“He has done a wonderful job with the youth team this season.”

Cambridge police appeal for information

In a statement, Cambridgeshire police said:

“Police investigating historical allegations of abuse related to football in Cambridgeshire have arrested a man.

“Detectives arrested the man at a property in Cambridge [on Friday] morning. The man, who is in his 70s and from Cambridge, has been arrested on suspicion of indecency with children and indecent assault. He is currently in custody.

“Officers are working closely with partners, including the Football Association, the local children’s safeguarding boards for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Cambridge and Peterborough United, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough clinical commissioning group, and Cambridgeshire county and Peterborough city councils.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns about these allegations to contact police on 101 or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.”

Sexual abuse & assault claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse and assault 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; Guardian

Sexual Abuse: Court Hears Paedophile Held Girl Captive

Black and white image of a girl looking upset

A man has been arrested for a string of sex offences after he was found to have subjected four different girls to sexual abuse over a number of decades.

‘Hidey hole’

Teesside crown court heard how Michael Dunn created a ‘hidey hole’ in his home in which he kept two of his victims captive. The 57 year old knocked through a wall behind his fridge and would use a bag of dust and a panel to conceal the hole.

Richard Bennett, prosecuting, told the court Dunn’s first victim had run away from home and had already been sexually abused by another man before being imprisoned by Dunn. Bennett said:

“The crown say he took advantage of that situation for his own sexual gratification.”

Other victims

The court heard how Dunn then imprisoned a second victim, who he would subject to repeated acts of violence and sexual abuse. He groomed a third victim by providing her with alcohol and cigarettes, whilst his fourth victim – a girl under 13 – suffered sexual abuse in the form of rape.

Bennett went on to tell jurors how Dunn “had sex when he wanted” and that if any of his victims challenged him they “they suffered physically”. Dunn also filled his house with cameras and alarms, and put locks on the outside of all doors so his victims could not escape.

Conviction

On Wednesday 25th January 2016, Michael Dunn was charged with 10 counts of rape. The jury also convicted Dunn of three charges of indecent assault and three charges of false imprisonment.

Dunn was cleared of one charge of rape, one of grievous bodily harm and one of making a threat to kill.

DS Dave Pettrick, of Cleveland police, said:

“This was an extremely complex and difficult inquiry which spanned many years and several locations in the UK.
“I would first of all like to pay tribute to the victims for their bravery and for supporting our investigation, which enabled us to bring Dunn before the courts.

“Essentially, Dunn groomed several women and young girls, in some cases making them completely dependent on him, and carrying out sexual offences against all of them.

“Some of the victims were kept in line through Dunn’s extreme violence or even through the fear of violence and he had complete and absolute control over their lives. He ensured he and his victims evaded the authorities while he continued to abuse and control the women.

“Needless to say, all four women are deeply affected by their terrible ordeal. I hope today’s verdict will bring some comfort to them as they attempt to move on with their lives.”

Dunn has been in custody until his next court appearance.

Sexual abuse & assault claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or by any instance of non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse and assault 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 Guardian