Switalskis has started to receive offers to settle claims for a large number of clients seeking compensation under a Ministry of Justice compensation scheme that pays compensation to applicants who were physically abused / assaulted whilst serving sentences – Detention Centre Orders – at Eastwood Park Detention Centre. The Scheme officially opened in January 2025.

The Scheme has been set up following a long-running police investigation into events at Eastwood Detention Centre in South Gloucestershire which was opened in 1964 and closed in 1995 and accommodated boys from the ages of 14-17.

Former detention centre officer, Patrick Devaney, was convicted of offences against detainees. He was not alone in the abuse of young boys. Sadly other officers had passed away or were not fit to stand trial and so could not be prosecuted.

The first offers to settle were received in January 2024 and further offers are expected to follow on all claims that have been and are to be submitted. Compensation awards will range from £3,000 to £9,500 depending on the circumstances of the claim.

The compensation scheme is open to anyone who served a sentence at Eastwood Park and who was physically assaulted whilst there.

The compensation scheme is straightforward and Switalskis will assist applicants throughout the process. Applicants will receive 100% of any award made under the scheme and will not have to pay any costs to Switalskis for work undertaken on their behalf.

We are also aware of complaints of sexual abuse which will be dealt with by civil litigation.  The Ministry of Justice have set up a dedicated team and have assured us that these will be dealt with quickly.

Our abuse claim specialists Caroline Chandler and Rob Casey have extensive experience of assisting people who have experienced abuse in institutional settings and have represented many clients who have made successful claims under similar schemes, including Medomsley Detention Centre. Our experienced and expert approach will allow us to sensitively and efficiently progress your claim and secure you compensation and an apology from the Ministry of Justice.

We invite anyone who was detained at Eastwood Park Detention Centre and suffered abuse to contact us to find out how we can help you.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team in confidence, please contact us today by calling 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com