Eastwood Park, Falfield, Gloucestershire, is now a closed-category prison for women, but this has not always been the case. Originally built in 1964, Eastwood Park was run by the Home Office as a Youth Offending detention centre for young boys between the ages of 14 and 17.

Since its time as a Young Offenders institution, particularly in the 70s and 80s, there have been countless accusations made against the staff entrusted with rehabilitating the boys in their care. Accusations include verbal abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

One prison officer in particular, Patrick Daveney of County Down, Northern Ireland was convicted of Gross Misconduct in February 2023 following reports of his “evil” and “sadistic torture” of over 100 boys in his care between 1970 and 1983.

The courts heard witness evidence from a small number of Daveney’s victims who described him as “cruel” “brutal” and “the worst of the worst”.

There are currently ongoing discussions between Solicitors and the Government Legal Department around the administration of a scheme to compensate those whose suffered abuse whilst in residence at Eastwood Park Detention Centre.  

The Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme, as we presume it will be named, is likely to be made available to victims this year. And we urge anyone who suffered physical, sexual or mental abuse whilst resident at Eastwood Park, to report their experience to Avon and Somerset Police. You can do this by calling 101, or report online by visiting https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/forms/rac

We understand that coming forward and revisiting historical abuse can be extremely distressing and triggering. We are here to help.

We believe that all survivors of abuse deserve to have their voices heard, and through this Scheme, we hope that some justice will finally be served.

Winston Solicitors is one of the leading law firms in Leeds and is dedicated to supporting victims of physical violence and abuse whilst obtaining compensation for their suffering.

Our expert team of specialist lawyers will act on your behalf to apply to and navigate the scheme to ensure the correct amount of compensation is made to you.

As the scheme is due to go "live" any day – now is the perfect time to discuss your case with us.

If you would like to discuss making a claim under the scheme, please contact us on 0113 320 5000.