Investigation into historic abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre

Operation Magnolia: Investigation into historic abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre

Kirklevington Detention Centre was a centre in Yarm, North Yorkshire operated by the Ministry of Justice between the 1960’s to the 1990’s. It was intended for 14- to 17-year-old boys to be sentenced to periods of between 3 weeks and 4 months.

The “short, sharp, shock” treatment was used at this centre and sadly the boys detained there have given evidence of the mistreatment and abuse they suffered by Officers who worked at the centre.

Operation Magnolia was launched by Cleveland Police in 2014 to investigation evidence of physical and sexual assaults by Officers.

The Operation which is now in its 11th year has obtained and continues to uncover shocking evidence about the treatment and abuse the boys suffered.

Cleveland Police have interviewed 818 former detainees and 21 officers as part of their investigation.  In February 2025 an update on their investigation was provided:

"We understand the trauma and upset the victims of these horrendous crimes have endured and we absolutely recognise the timeliness of this investigation has an impact on victims.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. There have been two previous case files submitted to the CPS for a charging decision, but unfortunately whilst awaiting a decision these suspects passed away. A further four files have been submitted to CPS and a further four are currently being progressed by our officers."

Jordans Solicitors represents over 260 clients who have suffered both physical and sexual assaults whilst detained at Kirklevington. 

It is our view that what happened to these men should not be forgotten and the officers who perpetrated this abuse should be brought to justice. We would urge anyone who has suffered abuse at Kirklevington to report their experiences to the Cleveland Police. 

For many years we have supported former detainees. In 2020 we were a leading firm in establishing the settlement scheme for the Medomsley Detention Centre and this year we have been instrumental in agreeing a settlement scheme with the Ministry of Justice for former detainees of Eastwood Park. 

It is our view that a compensation scheme should be launched for former detainees of Kirklevington Detention Centre and we will use all our experience to fight for this, for the clients we represent. 

We have already submitted claims with the Ministry of Justice for our clients, and they will be the first to benefit should a settlement scheme be announced.

Were you detained at Kirklevington?

We would urge anyone who was detained at Kirklevington Detention Centre and suffered mistreatment during their period of detention to contact us.

Jordans Solicitors have a dedicated team of highly specialist lawyers who can ensure your claim is handled sensitively, enabling you to secure the best level of compensation from those responsible for your traumatic experiences.

If you would like help with pursuing a claim please make contact with us by email, telephone; 033 03001103, on our free phone number; 0800 9555 094 or by completing a request a call back form.