The Operation Deerness investigation aims to uncover the truth behind exactly what former staff members, who were employed at Medomsley during the 1960’s and 1980’s, and the authorities, actually knew about the abuse that was taking place behind closed doors for all of those years.
It aims to find out what they did or did not do to tackle the many years of abuse former inmates were subjected to.
Operation Deerness is being led by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) to consider how the authorities dealt with the allegations. It was prompted by former inmates, who had been subject to the abuse, and who consider the staff members and authorities were well aware of what was going on behind the scenes in relation to the physical, sexual and mental abuse but failed to do anything, whether it be because they were afraid to or because they just decided to pretend it was not happening.
It was officially launched on Wednesday 28th February 2024.
Richard Tucker, who is the Senior Investigator for Operation Deerness, has asked for anyone willing to share their story to contact his team via the following email ppomedomsleyinvestigation@ppo.gov.uk
Investigators are going to consider historic evidence from the prison and probation service, police, hospitals and the like to find out exactly what went wrong. The information will be used for future policy and safeguarding recommendations. Durham Constabulary are also supporting the inquiry by providing information they have gathered during Operation Seabrook, which was one of the largest investigations of its kind in the UK and led to many successful convictions of former prison officers at Medomsley Detention Centre.
Once the investigation is complete, the PPO will publish a report of their findings. It is hoped that it may bring some closure to the inmates concerned.
Tilly Bailey & Irvine have secured compensation for a number of former inmates that were sexually, physically, and mentally abused whilst detained in Medomsley Detention Centre between 1960’s and 1980’s.
If you experienced abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre but have not yet reported it, please contact Durham Police on 101 or via their dedicated email address at; operation.seabrook@durham.pnn.police.uk.
If you have been affected by the abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre and wish to speak to a solicitor, please contact Nathalie Clayton. She already represents a large number of former inmates from Medomsley Detention Centre in respect of these claims.
Nathalie can be contacted on 0333 258 2563 or by filling in an online enquiry form.
