Former prisoner officer jailed for assaulting dozens of boys

A former West Country prison officer is beginning their own sentence behind bars after being found guilty of assaulting dozens of boys in a youth detention centre.

Patrick Devaney denied any wrongdoing following the incidents at Eastwood Park in South Gloucestershire between 1970 and 1983.

81-year-old Patrick Devaney, from County Down in Northern Ireland, was found guilty despite denying any wrongdoing over the historical incidents against the boys - who were between 14 and 17 years old at the time.

He faced a four-week trial earlier this year, during which 22 of his former detainees gave evidence of the abuse they suffered.

Today, he has been sentenced to 3 years and 6 months behind bars at Bristol Crown Court.

Speaking upon conviction earlier this year, Detective Inspector Alan Smith, the senior investigating officer, said: “Patrick Devaney exploited his position to physically assault those who he was meant to keep safe.

“He worked for the prison service at a time when there was a government policy of giving young offenders a ‘short, sharp shock’ by way of punishment.

“The force he used however went way beyond what was appropriate and acceptable, with many of his victims describing him as sadistic and someone who enjoyed inflicting pain on them.

“He admitted to giving the boys a clip around the ears and raps on the knuckles but vehemently denied abusing them in the way he did.”

He added: “Every one of his victims has been affected by his actions with some suffering significant trauma which they have lived with for more than 50 years.

“I’d like to praise the courage they have all shown in reporting what happened to them and giving testimony in front of him at court.

“I hope this outcome gives other victims of abuse the confidence to come forward. Even if offences have been committed years ago, we can and will investigate them thoroughly.”

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