A FORMER prison officer at a detention centre accused of a string of sexual offences and assaults against young inmates dating back to the 1970s has died.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Ian Matthew Nicholson died on December 26.

The 77-year-old was due to go on trial charged with the sex offences and misconduct in a public office following an investigation surrounding allegations of abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham.

The Northern Echo: Ian NicholsonIan Nicholson

Co-accused Alexander Flavell, 88, who is also charged with misconduct and sexual offences from his time working at the detention centre.

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Mr Nicholson faced a charge of misconduct in a public office, three counts of a serious sexual offence and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Toby Hedworth QC, representing Nicholson, said: “Mr Nicholson strongly refuted these allegations right up until his death.”

Judge Howard Crowson adjourned the case against Flavell until a preliminary hearing in December to assess his medical fitness to stand trial.

The Northern Echo: Alexander FlavellAlexander Flavell

He is expected to appear at court in February 2023 when the case is listed for trial.

At an earlier hearing, the judge imposed a reporting restriction which prevents the media from publishing either defendant’s address.

Medomsley Detention Centre closed in 1988 and was intended to house teenagers who had committed relatively minor offences.

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