State Lawyer Attacks Credibility of Abuse Allegation Plaintiff in New Hampshire Youth Detention Center Trial

The state of New Hampshire is facing a legal battle against abuse allegations at its youth detention center, with plaintiff David Meehan at the center of the controversy. Meehan, who claims he was subjected to horrific abuse at the Youth Development Center in Manchester in the late 1990s, has been met with skepticism and attacks on his credibility by the defense.

In a recent trial, the state’s lawyer Martha Gaythwaite questioned Meehan’s past, suggesting that his troubled history as a teen and his mental health issues as an adult cast doubt on his claims of abuse. Despite Meehan’s detailed testimony of being raped, beaten, and locked in solitary confinement, Gaythwaite raised questions about his credibility, including his account of contracting gonorrhea from a male staffer at age 15.

The defense argues that the state should not be held liable for the actions of individual employees and questions why Meehan waited so long to come forward with his allegations. The statute of limitations for such lawsuits is three years from the date of injury, but Meehan maintains that he was not aware of the link to the state’s negligence until recently.

Throughout the trial, Meehan has remained composed but emotional, expressing the pain of having to relive his trauma in front of investigators, medical professionals, lawyers, and now a jury. Despite the defense’s attempts to undermine his credibility, Meehan stands by his claims and seeks justice for the abuse he suffered.

The case highlights the complex and contentious nature of the legal battle surrounding the abuse allegations at the New Hampshire youth detention center. As the trial continues, the truth behind Meehan’s claims and the state’s responsibility in preventing abuse will be closely scrutinized.