Eastwood Park Detention Centre Guard on trial for sexual abuse

Patrick Devaney, a former guard at the Eastwood Park Detention Centre for boys, is on trial at the Bristol Crown Court for two charges of indecent assault, for sexually abusing one of the boys at the detention centre, as well as charges for misconduct in a public office.

There have been numerous allegations made in relation to the mistreatment of the young inmates at Eastwood Park, including severe physical abuse, verbal abuse and racist abuse as well as sexual abuse. The evidence from those who attended Eastwood Park suggests that there was an extremely brutal and humiliating regime in charge of the detention centre.

I know from the experience of my clients that this type of abuse can cause lifelong psychological injury.  Many who suffered during their time at Eastwood Park will be desperately hoping that justice can be served, on behalf of all of those had to spend time at Eastwood Park.

Survivors of abuse often feel that a civil claim can give them back some control over their lives, which they may feel that they lost during a criminal investigation. I have extensive experience in representing survivors who have experienced abuse in government institutions, and I am happy to speak to anyone who may need support in this regard.