Man Says ‘Hit Squad’ Gang Rapes at Youth Facility Turned Him into a ‘Monster.’ He Was Just Awarded $10M Settlement: Reports

Man Awarded £10M Settlement After Enduring Gang Rapes at Youth Facility

A man has been granted a significant £10 million settlement after experiencing multiple gang rapes at a youth detention centre. Michael Gilpatrick, now 41 years old, has accused 10 staff members at a Manchester Youth Development Center of subjecting him to sexual and physical abuse, including being gang-raped and choked unconscious. The New Hampshire attorney general’s office reached this settlement rather than proceeding to trial, offering Gilpatrick a sum four times larger than the maximum amount available to abuse victims through the state’s settlement fund, reported by CBS News, the AP, and local10.com.

This settlement comes as a result of Gilpatrick’s allegations that he endured horrifying abuse while at the youth facility at the age of 14. According to CBS News, Gilpatrick mentioned in a 2021 interview that there was no one he could turn to at the Youth Development Center, leaving him trapped in his own fears and thoughts every day. Describing the centre as a place that transformed individuals into monsters, Gilpatrick expressed his journey towards letting go of self-blame and speaking out about the trauma he faced during his teenage years.

In a disturbing account, Gilpatrick recounted how two staff members restrained him in a stairwell while another sexually assaulted him and a fourth forced him into a sexual act. His bravery in sharing these experiences resulted in criminal charges against four former employees, whom Gilpatrick referred to as a “hit squad.” Among these individuals, Brad Asbury was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison for his involvement in aggravated sexual assault, while another former staff member, Stephen Murphy, faced trial for rape, which ended in a mistrial. Murphy is set to undergo three more trials related to other former residents, as reported by CBS.

The settlement not only provides financial compensation to Gilpatrick but also spares him from undergoing the emotional distress of a trial. As per reports, Gilpatrick had previously confronted defence lawyers during criminal trials and had spent years attempting to suppress the memories of his traumatic past. By accepting that the abuse was not his fault and mustering the courage to speak out, Gilpatrick has taken a significant step towards healing from his past experiences.

By shedding light on the abuse he endured, Gilpatrick’s case has brought attention to the systemic issues within youth detention facilities and the vulnerability of individuals placed in such institutions. The New Hampshire attorney general’s office’s decision to award a substantial settlement to Gilpatrick reflects a recognition of the harm he suffered and signifies a step towards accountability for those responsible for the abuse.

As cases like Gilpatrick’s continue to emerge, it is crucial to address and rectify the failings in the systems meant to protect individuals, especially vulnerable youth. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of survivors of abuse, as well as the importance of seeking justice and accountability in the face of such atrocities.