Member Article

Confidential advice available to Medomsley Victims

The specialist Child Abuse Team at Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors has expressed concern that there are still believed to be many victims of historic abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham who have not come forward.

John Hall, who leads the team, stressed the importance that the victims understand their case will be dealt with confidentially and sympathetically, and that their claims will be listened to.

Mr Hall said: “Understandably, these victims may be afraid of revealing details of their experiences at Medomsley. However, they have been let down by the Ministry of Justice and they have legal rights. We want them to know that there is free advice available from people experienced in seeking compensation in such cases. We’ve set up a Freephone number so that people can enquire by phone about their rights, and how their claim would be dealt with.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is currently representing a number of former inmates of the Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett, and helping them to seek compensation damages for serious sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by staff against detainees. The abuse occurred between the late 1960s and mid 1980s, and two staff from the centre were convicted and imprisoned in 2003. Since investigations were re-opened by Durham Police in August last year, over 550 victims of alleged abuse have come forward.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors has a specialist team experienced in this area of law, based in their offices in Hartlepool, Stockton and Barnard Castle. Anyone who was detained at Medomsley Detention Centre and believes they may have a claim, is invited to call for advice free on 0800 052 6824, or to seek an appointment to speak with a specialist.

Mr Hall added: “We’re a local firm and we have specialists in this area. We’re happy to speak to, or organise an appointment with, anyone who is seeking help in making a claim. All claims will be treated sympathetically and confidentially, and we are committed to asserting the legal rights of the victims to secure the maximum compensation they are due. They have been terribly let down, and it’s time to put that right.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is the Tees Valley’s largest full service law firm with offices in Hartlepool, Wynyard Park, Stockton on Tees and Barnard Castle.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tilly Bailey and Irvine Solictors .