Abuse of Thousands of Young Men at County Durham Detention Centre ‘ignored and Dismissed’, Investigation Finds

Decades of Abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has released a report detailing decades of abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham. The investigation, spanning from 1961 to 1987, found that thousands of young men aged between 17 and 21 were subjected to horrific physical and sexual violence within the facility’s walls.

The report names Neville Husband as a central figure in this abuse. Described by the ombudsman Adrian Usher as “possibly the most prolific sex offender in British history,” Husband was thought to have groomed and attacked hundreds of trainees in Medomsley’s kitchens, exploiting his position of power over young detainees.

Systemic Failures and Lack of Action

The PPO’s findings reveal that abuse at Medomsley continued “unchallenged” for the entire 26-year period. The report states that there were “extreme violence and acts of a sadistic nature,” which went unaddressed by authorities, including the prison service, police, and Home Office.

Adrian Usher emphasized the failure of leadership at Medomsley: “Leaders at every level, including the warden, failed in their duty to protect the best interests of those under their charge. Either staff in leadership roles were aware of the abuse, complicit, or they lacked dedication and professional curiosity to such an extent as to not be professionally competent.” He further noted that victims have never received a public apology.

Widespread Abuse and Unchecked Violence

The report outlines various forms of abuse faced by detainees. Trainees were physically abused from the moment they arrived, during bathing, strip searches, physical education, work, and even medical examinations. Victims reported baths that were either scalding hot or freezing cold, and if ill, painkillers could be taped to their foreheads with instructions to run around until the medication dissolved.

Detainees also faced verbal abuse, with those who did not address staff as “sir” being punched.

The ombudsman cited a 1965 complaint of an officer striking an inmate, which was dismissed by the response as “playfulness.” A 1967 letter warned about staff “taking the law into their own hands,” indicating that discipline went beyond legitimate boundaries.

Former detainee Eric Sampson described his experience: “The violence I had done to me was terrible. I could have been killed in there. Every day and night was hell on earth for the full nine weeks.” He added, “With all the abuse, obviously the sexual abuse, it totally ruined my life. It should never have happened in the first place, or it should have been stopped.”

Government Response and Future Implications

In response to the report, Durham Constabulary has publicly apologized for its “historic failure” to investigate decades of abuse. Cleveland Police acknowledged their role in failing to prevent and address allegations from victims. The government has since issued an apology and announced a new safeguarding panel to improve protections for children in custody.

Minister for youth justice Jake Richards stated, “To the men who suffered such horrific abuse at Medomsley, I want to say again – I am truly sorry.

The failings set out in today’s report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman are truly harrowing, and we must ensure nothing like this ever happens again.” He emphasized the need for a Youth Custody Safeguarding Panel to review how they protect children in custody.

The investigation into Medomsley Detention Centre highlights systemic issues within the UK’s prison system. It underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms and the need for continuous improvement in safeguarding the rights and well-being of detainees, especially those who are vulnerable due to their age and status as first-time offenders.