Were You Abused at Eastwood Park Detention Centre? Time is Running Out to Apply for Compensation!

Eastwood Park Detention Centre - What Survivors Need to Know Before January 2026

In the 1970s and 80s, Eastwood Park Detention Centre in Gloucestershire housed boys aged 14 to 17 who had been sent there to be "disciplined". Many of them, instead of being rehabilitated, were subjected to brutal treatment and abuse by staff members who were meant to care for them. Today, Eastwood Park is a women’s prison, but its past still casts a long and painful shadow.

To find out if you're eligible for compensation call 0113 320 5000

For those who suffered abuse at Eastwood Park Detention Centre, time is running out to seek compensation. The dedicated Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme closes in January 2026. Therefore, we are urging anyone who may be eligible to come forward now. We understand how difficult it is to talk about what happened, but we also know how important it is that survivors are not left behind. In most cases, our help is completely free.

What Was Eastwood Park Detention Centre?

Eastwood Park Detention Centre was exclusively for the “rehabilitation” of troubled teenage boys. This was during a time when discipline was often prioritised over welfare. While some staff undoubtedly acted professionally, numerous former detainees have since come forward to report systematic abuse, including physical violence. verbal cruelty and racial abuse and degrading punishments. As well as this, several survivors have come forward to report sexual assault and harassment.

These young boys were in the care of the state. They were vulnerable, often alone, and they deserved protection. Instead, many were subjected to abuse that would stay with them for life.  

Patrick Devaney, Prison Officer and Sadist

Patrick Devaney, a former prison officer at Eastwood Park Detention Centre, was convicted in 2023 for the abuse of 22 teenage boys between 1970 and 1983. 

Working primarily in the gym, Devaney subjected inmates to severe physical and psychological abuse, including beatings with a cricket bat and a five-foot paddle, forced extreme exercise, and racially abusive language. He orchestrated violent games, such as 'murderball,' pitting older boys against younger ones. Victims described him as a "sadistic nutcase" and "the worst of the worst." Judge Edward Burgess KC, during sentencing, stated that Devaney "derived sadistic pleasure" from his actions and showed no remorse. Devaney was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for misconduct in a public office.

Many survivors of his abuse are yet to come forward to claim compensation.

The Eastwood Park Detention Centre Compensation

The Ministry of Justice launched the Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme to provide survivors with a formal pathway to recognition and redress. It is a non-confrontational scheme, which means survivors do not need to go to court or give oral evidence. Eastwood Park Detention Centre compensation is assessed based on written evidence, including a short witness statement. In most cases, survivors will be awarded compensation in recognition of the abuse they suffered.

This scheme is open to men who were detained at Eastwood Park Detention Centre during the 1970s or 80s.  

Importantly, this is a time-limited scheme. The deadline to apply is January 2026. If you miss that date, you may lose your chance to claim.

How Winston Solicitors Can Help

We are proud to support survivors through the Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme. We understand how hard it can be to talk about past trauma. Our team works with compassion and discretion, ensuring every client is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Free help in most cases  

We do not charge for this service in the majority of cases. That means survivors receive 100% of their compensation.

Guidance every step of the way

From gathering information to writing your statement, we will support you throughout.

Quick, straightforward process

There is no need to go to court. The scheme is designed to be as accessible and non-adversarial as possible.

While a small number of complex cases may fall outside the scheme and need to be handled separately (which may involve legal fees), we will always explain this clearly before you decide to proceed.

Message the CICA team to find out how you can claim

What If I Was Too Young to Understand?

Many survivors were just teenagers when the abuse happened. Some were children. Some may not have fully understood that what they were experiencing was abuse. Others may have blamed themselves or been too frightened to tell anyone.

None of this is your fault. And it’s never too late to be heard.

Abuse can have long-term effects, including depression, anxiety, trust issues, addiction, or difficulties with relationships and employment. Even if decades have passed, you are still entitled to seek recognition and redress.

What If I Have a Criminal Record?

We know that some survivors may have gone on to have troubled lives after leaving Eastwood Park Detention Centre. A criminal record does not prevent you from making a claim. In fact, your time at Eastwood Park Detention Centre may have directly contributed to difficulties later in life.

We are not here to judge. We are here to help.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

We understand that many survivors carry deep feelings of shame, anger, or fear. You may have been told to forget what happened, or felt like nobody would believe you. But you do not have to stay silent. The Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme is a rare opportunity to be heard, believed, and recognised.

2026 may sound like a long way off, but preparing your claim takes time. The sooner you contact us, the more support we can offer.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know was abused at Eastwood Park Detention Centre, please reach out to us today. We offer a confidential, non-judgemental service and will handle your case with care.

Call us on 0113 320 5000, or email @email to discuss your situation.

You may be eligible for compensation. You will be treated with respect. And in most cases, you will receive 100% of what you are awarded.

You do not need to suffer in silence. We are here to help.