Former Eastwood Park Detention Centre trial date set over historic abuse claims

The former Eastwood Park Detention Centre trial has had its date set for the historic abuse claims dating back to the 1970s.

An ex-prison officer from the centre, Patrick Devaney, has been charged following an investigation into allegations of non-recent sexual abuse committed at the former juvenile detention centre during the 1970s and 1980s.

79-year-old, Devaney of County Down in Northern Ireland, has been charged over historic sexual abuse claims. The investigation into the abuse focused on historic incidents at Eastwood Park Detention Centre in South Gloucestershire. Eastwood Park served its original purpose as a juvenile Detention Centre prior to 1992.

Devaney has been charged with misconduct in a public office and two counts of indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16 years old, it has been reported.

Devaney has further been alleged to have physically assaulted, verbally abused and otherwise severely mistreated inmates of the former detention centre, as well as encouraging other staff to partake in the abuse.

Avon and Somerset Police conducted an investigation into the alleged abuse made by former inmates.

Devaney denies all allegations of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. He pleaded not guilty to allegations that, whilst working as a guard, he: Physically and verbally abused inmates; encouraged employees to engage in the abuse and failed to intervene in sexual, physical and verbal abuse of inmates.

The Court heard that the prosecution has approximately 600 pages of interviews from more than 40 victims of abuse by Devaney.

Judge Martin Picton, acting on the hearing, has since adjourned the case for a case management hearing to take place on 10 December 2021 whilst the trial date has been set for the former prison officer for May 2022 and is expected to last between 6 and 7 weeks.

Devaney has since been released from the prior hearing on unconditional bail.

Jordans Solicitors – supporting victims of non-recent sexual abuse

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Jordans Solicitors successfully represent and have secured compensation for numerous victims of abuse.

We are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these sensitive cases.

Our Abuse team can be contacted on 0800 955 5094 or 033 0300 1103 for a free and confidential initial consultation.