A victim of daily attacks at a detention centre dying without justice is “deeply unsettling and what victims have feared”, an MP has said.
Hundreds of boys as young as 14 were subjected to horrific daily abuse behind the bars of Kirklevington Detention Centre between the 1960s and 1990s.
But despite 21 suspects being interviewed as part of Cleveland Police’s Operation Magnolia since 2014, not one abuser has been brought to justice.
Seven former officers are already dead - and victims of the Yarm “hell hole” say they feel “forgotten” and fear they may die before getting justice.
Tragically, Paul Overton is one of undoubtedly many victims who have died without seeing any of their abusers dragged before courts to answer for their actions.
Natalie and Kirsti Overton from Newcastle with photo of their dad Paul (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Paul, who was 65 and lived in Longbenton, Newcastle, died on September 18, having spent years of his life turning to alcohol to deal with the alleged attacks he was subjected to by officers.
His four children are now fighting for justice in his name, with the hopes his abusers will finally be brought to answer for their actions so he can “finally rest in peace”.
Now, Stockton West MP Matt Vickers has said the fact Paul has died without seeing anyone held to account is “deeply upsetting” and reiterated calls for the probe to be treated as an “urgent priority".
Matt Vickers (Image: CONTRIBUTION)
He told The Northern Echo: “Knowing the extent of what Paul and so many other boys endured at Kirklevington, it is no surprise that for many victims, the effects last a lifetime.
“That Paul has died without seeing anyone held to account is deeply upsetting, it's what many victims have feared.
"As I said previously, this investigation must be treated as an urgent priority within the force, and should be given every resource needed.
“The investigation must proceed proactively and without further delay, so that victims, their families and our wider community can have confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice."
HMP Kirklevington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Almost 1,000 victims have complained to police over their abuse so far while 21 suspects have been interviewed. Not one has been charged.
Seven of these officers are already dead, and police are currently awaiting a decision from the Crown Prosecution Service on whether it can charge another seven.
Earlier this year, the Echo called for police to urgently prioritise the probe as victims continue to fear they will never see an officer dragged before the courts to answer for their actions.
Read more:
Police awaiting decision on whether to charge seven officers of 'torture camp'
Kirklevington abuse: Seven officers might be dead - but justice can still be done
Andy Burnham to 'look at' Echo's call for compensation for Kirklevington victims
We also called for a settlement scheme, where victims can claim compensation and receive a formal apology, while avoiding complex legal proceedings.
While nobody has ever been charged over the abuse, the Echo earlier this year exposed “barbaric” Douglas Harrison as the officer who was due to be charged with misconduct in a public office and numerous assaults days before his death in 2019.
In August, Prime Minister Andy Burnham also vowed to look into the Kirklevington abuse scandal as part of The Northern Echo's manifesto, which featured six key priorities we want him to deliver for the North East.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton, said: “I wholeheartedly understand the concerns, frustrations and questions around the length of time this investigation has taken.
“I also acknowledge the significant impact this investigation had had on victims, and in many cases their families, too.
"We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), continuing to place the victims at the very heart of this investigation."