Overview
- An investigation led by Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher finds abuse persisted throughout the centre’s 26-year lifespan, with more than 2,000 former inmates reporting physical or sexual assault.
- Leaders across the Prison Service, police and Home Office are faulted for ignoring warnings and allowing violence to become an accepted part of the regime.
- Survivors describe routine beatings, degrading strip searches and sexual assaults, with some barred from contacting family and targeted for perceived weakness or sexuality.
- The inquiry identifies kitchen officer Neville Husband as a principal perpetrator and says evidence suggests many staff knew or suspected his offending yet failed to act.
- The report urges a public apology and reforms, highlighting the need for independent safeguarding checks and warning that the complaints process for children in custody remains unchanged.