OAPs, 74 and 86, face detention centre sex charges
FORMER STAFF ARE LATEST TO BE CHARGED WITH ABUSE
TWO former staff members at Medomsley Detention Centre have been charged with historical sex offences.
The now elderly men are due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on October 24.
Ian Nicholson, 74, will answer one charge of misconduct in a public office, three counts of buggery and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Alexander Flavell, 86, will answer one charge of misconduct in a public office, one of indecent assault, one charge of buggery and four charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
A further four men who were being investigated as part of Operation Seabrook will face no further action.
An investigation into allegations of abuse at the detention centre in Consett, which closed in 1988, was launched by Durham Constabulary in August 2013.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Named Operation Seabrook, it is now one of the largest investigations of its kind in the UK and is supported by a dedicated team of officers. So far, 1,848 men have come forward to police to report allegations of abuse while detained at the centre.
“Earlier this year, five former prison officers – Christopher Onslow, John McGee, Alan Bramley, Kevin Blakeley and Brian Johnson Greenwell – were jailed for a total of more than 18 years for abusing former inmates at the detention centre following three separate crown court trials.
“All five men have submitted appeals against their convictions. These appeals are ongoing.” Alan Bramley