Medomsley Detention Centre: Prison officer guilty perverting course of justice

John McGee's father was convicted of misconduct in public office in relation to abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre

A prison officer who asked a governor to have a "quiet word" with a guard who gave evidence against former officers at an abuse trial has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

John McGee said his emailed request was a "moment of madness" after his father was jailed last year for assaulting Medomsley Detention Centre inmates.

McGee, 50, of Burnopfield, will be sentenced in March.

Durham Crown Court heard he would lose his job of 20 years.

McGee's father, also called John, was convicted of misconduct in a public office in December 2018.

Deborah Smithies, prosecuting, said officer Hugh Cockburn was working at Durham Prison at the time he gave evidence about seeing young inmates being assaulted.

Before another trial involving other defendants started, McGee, who worked at the high-security Frankland Prison, emailed Durham Prison governor Phil Husband with whom he had trained 25 years previously.

'Emotionally drained'

He wrote that Mr Cockburn had been "sticking the boot in" by giving evidence, and said: "If I had my way he would be dealt with if you know what I mean.

"Now it's not for me to say anything Phil, but a quiet word in his ear would be a good idea."

Mr Husband reported the email to police and McGee junior was arrested.

Ms Smithies said it had been a "bold attempt to put Mr Cockburn off" giving evidence again, adding: "In [McGee's] view it was wrong for a prison officer to take the side of ex-inmates in the trial of ex-officers."

In a statement to police, the defendant said: "I simply wanted Mr Cockburn to understand that he had contributed to putting my family through a difficult time."

The father of three said he was "emotionally drained" and the email was "a moment of madness" with his "head was all over the shop".