Abuse man is jailed

By Diane Simon
Ronald Thorne going into the court building

THE fourth man charged in the historical child abuse inquiry Ronald George Thorne (71) was jailed for a year yesterday for acts of gross indecency with a boy 25 years ago.

The Royal Court heard from Crown Advocate Stephen Baker that Thorne, who admitted the two offences, carried out the second offence despite the boy, who was aged between 11 and 14 at the time of the offences, having refused to comply with the first offence.

Thorne has a previous conviction for sexual offences against children for which he served an 18 month prison sentence.

Before announcing the court’s sentence, the Bailiff Michael Birt said that unless there were exceptional circumstances, custodial sentences would be given to those who committed sexual offences against children.

Article posted on 28th November, 2009 - 3.00pm

Abuse man is jailed

Abuse man is jailed

By Diane Simon
Ronald Thorne going into the court building

THE fourth man charged in the historical child abuse inquiry Ronald George Thorne (71) was jailed for a year yesterday for acts of gross indecency with a boy 25 years ago.

The Royal Court heard from Crown Advocate Stephen Baker that Thorne, who admitted the two offences, carried out the second offence despite the boy, who was aged between 11 and 14 at the time of the offences, having refused to comply with the first offence.

Thorne has a previous conviction for sexual offences against children for which he served an 18 month prison sentence.

Before announcing the court’s sentence, the Bailiff Michael Birt said that unless there were exceptional circumstances, custodial sentences would be given to those who committed sexual offences against children.

Article posted on 28th November, 2009 - 3.00pm

Abuse man is jailed

Abuse man is jailed

By Diane Simon
Ronald Thorne going into the court building

THE fourth man charged in the historical child abuse inquiry Ronald George Thorne (71) was jailed for a year yesterday for acts of gross indecency with a boy 25 years ago.

The Royal Court heard from Crown Advocate Stephen Baker that Thorne, who admitted the two offences, carried out the second offence despite the boy, who was aged between 11 and 14 at the time of the offences, having refused to comply with the first offence.

Thorne has a previous conviction for sexual offences against children for which he served an 18 month prison sentence.

Before announcing the court’s sentence, the Bailiff Michael Birt said that unless there were exceptional circumstances, custodial sentences would be given to those who committed sexual offences against children.

Article posted on 28th November, 2009 - 3.00pm

Abuse man is jailed

Year in prison for sex offender

Ronald George Thorne
Thorne was convicted of sexual offences against a teenage boy

The fourth man charged as part of Jersey police's ongoing historic abuse inquiry has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Ronald George Thorne, 71, from St Helier, was sentenced in the Royal Court for sexual offences.

He had pleaded guilty to gross indecency offences with a 14-year-old boy, committed in the early 1980s.

Thorne's offences were not linked to abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Det Insp Alison Fossey, from States of Jersey police, said she hoped Thorne's victim "has received some comfort from the decision reached by the court".

Year in prison for sex offender

Year in prison for sex offender

Ronald George Thorne
Thorne was convicted of sexual offences against a teenage boy

The fourth man charged as part of Jersey police's ongoing historic abuse inquiry has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Ronald George Thorne, 71, from St Helier, was sentenced in the Royal Court for sexual offences.

He had pleaded guilty to gross indecency offences with a 14-year-old boy, committed in the early 1980s.

Thorne's offences were not linked to abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Det Insp Alison Fossey, from States of Jersey police, said she hoped Thorne's victim "has received some comfort from the decision reached by the court".

Year in prison for sex offender

Year in prison for sex offender

Ronald George Thorne
Thorne was convicted of sexual offences against a teenage boy

The fourth man charged as part of Jersey police's ongoing historic abuse inquiry has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Ronald George Thorne, 71, from St Helier, was sentenced in the Royal Court for sexual offences.

He had pleaded guilty to gross indecency offences with a 14-year-old boy, committed in the early 1980s.

Thorne's offences were not linked to abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Det Insp Alison Fossey, from States of Jersey police, said she hoped Thorne's victim "has received some comfort from the decision reached by the court".

Year in prison for sex offender

Politician 'bullies and harasses

Mr Syvret has accused the report's author of unlawfully intimidating him.Senator Stuart Syvret bullied and harassed States employees, an independent UK investigator has said.

Employment judge Christopher Chapman said he was visibly taken aback by the abusiveness of some of Mr Syvret's postings on his internet blog.

The States Employment Board, which ordered the report, should have done more to stop his behaviour, Mr Chapman concluded.

Mr Syvret refused to comment to BBC Jersey about the report's findings.

The independent report was commissioned in May following several complaints to the board about the blog.

In it Mr Syvret had used terms like dishonest, incompetent and criminal to describe civil servants.

"What he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence"

Christopher Chapman

The language went beyond the legitimate expression of concern by a politician, and into a misuse of power, said Mr Chapman.

People named on the blog have had trouble sleeping and maintaining normal family life and their children had been bullied as a result of allegations made, the report said.

But the employment board was also at fault for not doing more to stop the allegations, it added.

Mr Chapman said the blog had raised some valid points.

"I made it clear in my report that a States senator he's entitled, if not obliged, to raise issues of public concern.

"He has done that and there are a number of issues in which he writes in very moderate language.

"But what he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence; that goes beyond free speech."

Wanted by police

Syvret should 'put up or shut up'

Mr Syvret refused to meet Mr Chapman as part of the investigation, but did email a response which is contained in the report.

In it he claimed that Mr Chapman was intimidating and threatening him.

He wrote: "You think - do you - that a UK bureaucrat such as yourself has the right to interfere with the democratic will of the 15,000 people who voted for me, by being a party to an unlawful act of harassment, intimidation - and "bullying" - against me?"

The report also made six recommendations, which Jersey's Chief Minister said the employment board would adopt. Senator Terry Le Sueur said he had asked the body in charge of standards of politicians' behaviour to consider taking action against Mr Syvret.

Mr Syvret is wanted by island police for failing to appear in court to face motoring and data protection charges.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming said Mr Syvret was staying at his London flat while seeking asylum in the UK on legal grounds.

The senator said he left Jersey as he felt he would not get a fair trial.


Politician 'bullies and harasses'

Politician 'bullies and harasses

Mr Syvret has accused the report's author of unlawfully intimidating him.Senator Stuart Syvret bullied and harassed States employees, an independent UK investigator has said.

Employment judge Christopher Chapman said he was visibly taken aback by the abusiveness of some of Mr Syvret's postings on his internet blog.

The States Employment Board, which ordered the report, should have done more to stop his behaviour, Mr Chapman concluded.

Mr Syvret refused to comment to BBC Jersey about the report's findings.

The independent report was commissioned in May following several complaints to the board about the blog.

In it Mr Syvret had used terms like dishonest, incompetent and criminal to describe civil servants.

"What he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence"

Christopher Chapman

The language went beyond the legitimate expression of concern by a politician, and into a misuse of power, said Mr Chapman.

People named on the blog have had trouble sleeping and maintaining normal family life and their children had been bullied as a result of allegations made, the report said.

But the employment board was also at fault for not doing more to stop the allegations, it added.

Mr Chapman said the blog had raised some valid points.

"I made it clear in my report that a States senator he's entitled, if not obliged, to raise issues of public concern.

"He has done that and there are a number of issues in which he writes in very moderate language.

"But what he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence; that goes beyond free speech."

Wanted by police

Syvret should 'put up or shut up'

Mr Syvret refused to meet Mr Chapman as part of the investigation, but did email a response which is contained in the report.

In it he claimed that Mr Chapman was intimidating and threatening him.

He wrote: "You think - do you - that a UK bureaucrat such as yourself has the right to interfere with the democratic will of the 15,000 people who voted for me, by being a party to an unlawful act of harassment, intimidation - and "bullying" - against me?"

The report also made six recommendations, which Jersey's Chief Minister said the employment board would adopt. Senator Terry Le Sueur said he had asked the body in charge of standards of politicians' behaviour to consider taking action against Mr Syvret.

Mr Syvret is wanted by island police for failing to appear in court to face motoring and data protection charges.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming said Mr Syvret was staying at his London flat while seeking asylum in the UK on legal grounds.

The senator said he left Jersey as he felt he would not get a fair trial.


Politician 'bullies and harasses'

Politician 'bullies and harasses

Mr Syvret has accused the report's author of unlawfully intimidating him.Senator Stuart Syvret bullied and harassed States employees, an independent UK investigator has said.

Employment judge Christopher Chapman said he was visibly taken aback by the abusiveness of some of Mr Syvret's postings on his internet blog.

The States Employment Board, which ordered the report, should have done more to stop his behaviour, Mr Chapman concluded.

Mr Syvret refused to comment to BBC Jersey about the report's findings.

The independent report was commissioned in May following several complaints to the board about the blog.

In it Mr Syvret had used terms like dishonest, incompetent and criminal to describe civil servants.

"What he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence"

Christopher Chapman

The language went beyond the legitimate expression of concern by a politician, and into a misuse of power, said Mr Chapman.

People named on the blog have had trouble sleeping and maintaining normal family life and their children had been bullied as a result of allegations made, the report said.

But the employment board was also at fault for not doing more to stop the allegations, it added.

Mr Chapman said the blog had raised some valid points.

"I made it clear in my report that a States senator he's entitled, if not obliged, to raise issues of public concern.

"He has done that and there are a number of issues in which he writes in very moderate language.

"But what he is not allowed to do is to use the language that he does and to keep making allegations unsubstantiated by evidence; that goes beyond free speech."

Wanted by police

Syvret should 'put up or shut up'

Mr Syvret refused to meet Mr Chapman as part of the investigation, but did email a response which is contained in the report.

In it he claimed that Mr Chapman was intimidating and threatening him.

He wrote: "You think - do you - that a UK bureaucrat such as yourself has the right to interfere with the democratic will of the 15,000 people who voted for me, by being a party to an unlawful act of harassment, intimidation - and "bullying" - against me?"

The report also made six recommendations, which Jersey's Chief Minister said the employment board would adopt. Senator Terry Le Sueur said he had asked the body in charge of standards of politicians' behaviour to consider taking action against Mr Syvret.

Mr Syvret is wanted by island police for failing to appear in court to face motoring and data protection charges.

Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming said Mr Syvret was staying at his London flat while seeking asylum in the UK on legal grounds.

The senator said he left Jersey as he felt he would not get a fair trial.


Politician 'bullies and harasses'

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

A report out this morning concludes there's extensive evidence of widespread harassment and bullying of States employees in Jersey by Senator Stuart Syvret.

UK Employment Judge, Christopher Chapman, says staff - mostly at the Health and Social Services Department - are under attack in unproven claims made by Senator Syvret in his blog.

Mr Chapman says the States Employment Board could well be liable for compensation claims.

Mr Chapman says Senator Syvret is guilty of 'unacceptable bullying and the misuse of power.'

On his blog he said senior civil servants were,
'demonstrably incompetent, idle, over-promoted, unethical, a danger to service clients, utterly ineffectual and provably criminal - and yet completely invulnerable.'

Allegations about individuals range from branding one a 'scum-bucket' to claiming another is a 'child rapist', despite no charges even being brought against them.

Christopher Chapman interviewed 15 people here in Jersey for his investigation in to the Senator's conduct.

Employees said they were having difficulty sleeping, concentrating at work, socialising and maintaining normal family life. Some had sought medical advice.

Children have been bullied at school or subjected to a campaign of whispering and two employees been arrested without any charges being laid as a direct result of claims made on the blog.

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

A report out this morning concludes there's extensive evidence of widespread harassment and bullying of States employees in Jersey by Senator Stuart Syvret.

UK Employment Judge, Christopher Chapman, says staff - mostly at the Health and Social Services Department - are under attack in unproven claims made by Senator Syvret in his blog.

Mr Chapman says the States Employment Board could well be liable for compensation claims.

Mr Chapman says Senator Syvret is guilty of 'unacceptable bullying and the misuse of power.'

On his blog he said senior civil servants were,
'demonstrably incompetent, idle, over-promoted, unethical, a danger to service clients, utterly ineffectual and provably criminal - and yet completely invulnerable.'

Allegations about individuals range from branding one a 'scum-bucket' to claiming another is a 'child rapist', despite no charges even being brought against them.

Christopher Chapman interviewed 15 people here in Jersey for his investigation in to the Senator's conduct.

Employees said they were having difficulty sleeping, concentrating at work, socialising and maintaining normal family life. Some had sought medical advice.

Children have been bullied at school or subjected to a campaign of whispering and two employees been arrested without any charges being laid as a direct result of claims made on the blog.

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

A report out this morning concludes there's extensive evidence of widespread harassment and bullying of States employees in Jersey by Senator Stuart Syvret.

UK Employment Judge, Christopher Chapman, says staff - mostly at the Health and Social Services Department - are under attack in unproven claims made by Senator Syvret in his blog.

Mr Chapman says the States Employment Board could well be liable for compensation claims.

Mr Chapman says Senator Syvret is guilty of 'unacceptable bullying and the misuse of power.'

On his blog he said senior civil servants were,
'demonstrably incompetent, idle, over-promoted, unethical, a danger to service clients, utterly ineffectual and provably criminal - and yet completely invulnerable.'

Allegations about individuals range from branding one a 'scum-bucket' to claiming another is a 'child rapist', despite no charges even being brought against them.

Christopher Chapman interviewed 15 people here in Jersey for his investigation in to the Senator's conduct.

Employees said they were having difficulty sleeping, concentrating at work, socialising and maintaining normal family life. Some had sought medical advice.

Children have been bullied at school or subjected to a campaign of whispering and two employees been arrested without any charges being laid as a direct result of claims made on the blog.

Senator Stuart Syvret accused of bullying

Judge labels Syvret a bully

By Ben Quérée

SENATOR Stuart Syvret is a bully who picks on and harasses States employees, according to an independent report published today.

The report, by a UK employment judge, says that the States Employment Board have not taken a tough enough stance to defend employees from harassment through the Senator’s blog and by email, and that some have suffered ill-health as a result.

The judge says that he was shocked by the material on the blog and that if the Senator had been an ordinary employee, he would risk being sacked for gross misconduct. The judge added that the employees being harassed would have a good case for unfair dismissal against the States if they quit.

In his blog, the Senator has accused a number of States staff – some by name – of dishonesty, paedophilia, criminal acts, incompetence and cover-ups. The allegations mainly relate to staff who used to work for Senator Syvret when he was in charge of the Health Department.

Article posted on 27th November, 2009 - 3.00pm
Judge labels Syvret a bully

Judge labels Syvret a bully

By Ben Quérée

SENATOR Stuart Syvret is a bully who picks on and harasses States employees, according to an independent report published today.

The report, by a UK employment judge, says that the States Employment Board have not taken a tough enough stance to defend employees from harassment through the Senator’s blog and by email, and that some have suffered ill-health as a result.

The judge says that he was shocked by the material on the blog and that if the Senator had been an ordinary employee, he would risk being sacked for gross misconduct. The judge added that the employees being harassed would have a good case for unfair dismissal against the States if they quit.

In his blog, the Senator has accused a number of States staff – some by name – of dishonesty, paedophilia, criminal acts, incompetence and cover-ups. The allegations mainly relate to staff who used to work for Senator Syvret when he was in charge of the Health Department.

Article posted on 27th November, 2009 - 3.00pm
Judge labels Syvret a bully

Judge labels Syvret a bully

By Ben Quérée

SENATOR Stuart Syvret is a bully who picks on and harasses States employees, according to an independent report published today.

The report, by a UK employment judge, says that the States Employment Board have not taken a tough enough stance to defend employees from harassment through the Senator’s blog and by email, and that some have suffered ill-health as a result.

The judge says that he was shocked by the material on the blog and that if the Senator had been an ordinary employee, he would risk being sacked for gross misconduct. The judge added that the employees being harassed would have a good case for unfair dismissal against the States if they quit.

In his blog, the Senator has accused a number of States staff – some by name – of dishonesty, paedophilia, criminal acts, incompetence and cover-ups. The allegations mainly relate to staff who used to work for Senator Syvret when he was in charge of the Health Department.

Article posted on 27th November, 2009 - 3.00pm
Judge labels Syvret a bully

Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

By Diane Simon

THE suspension of police chief Graham Power will have cost the Island almost £700,000 by the end of the year.

States Members were also informed yesterday, by Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, that the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into the handling of the historical child abuse inquiry had so far cost £526,000. The sum is likely to rise to £552,000 by the end the year, he said.

In addition, the cost of Deputy Chief Officer David Warcup acting up as police chief to replace Mr Power, and of Barry Taylor, a retired deputy chief constable from Wales, acting as deputy, as well as other temporary cover, has been £118,345 and is likely to rise to £145,057 by the end of December.

The continued cost of this cover in Mr Power’s absence is expected to be £13,400 a month next year. Senator Le Marquand gave the figures after Deputy Bob Hill asked for an update on the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into allegations against Mr Power.

Article posted on 18th November, 2009 - 2.57pm
Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

By Diane Simon

THE suspension of police chief Graham Power will have cost the Island almost £700,000 by the end of the year.

States Members were also informed yesterday, by Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, that the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into the handling of the historical child abuse inquiry had so far cost £526,000. The sum is likely to rise to £552,000 by the end the year, he said.

In addition, the cost of Deputy Chief Officer David Warcup acting up as police chief to replace Mr Power, and of Barry Taylor, a retired deputy chief constable from Wales, acting as deputy, as well as other temporary cover, has been £118,345 and is likely to rise to £145,057 by the end of December.

The continued cost of this cover in Mr Power’s absence is expected to be £13,400 a month next year. Senator Le Marquand gave the figures after Deputy Bob Hill asked for an update on the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into allegations against Mr Power.

Article posted on 18th November, 2009 - 2.57pm
Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

By Diane Simon

THE suspension of police chief Graham Power will have cost the Island almost £700,000 by the end of the year.

States Members were also informed yesterday, by Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, that the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into the handling of the historical child abuse inquiry had so far cost £526,000. The sum is likely to rise to £552,000 by the end the year, he said.

In addition, the cost of Deputy Chief Officer David Warcup acting up as police chief to replace Mr Power, and of Barry Taylor, a retired deputy chief constable from Wales, acting as deputy, as well as other temporary cover, has been £118,345 and is likely to rise to £145,057 by the end of December.

The continued cost of this cover in Mr Power’s absence is expected to be £13,400 a month next year. Senator Le Marquand gave the figures after Deputy Bob Hill asked for an update on the investigation by the Wiltshire Constabulary into allegations against Mr Power.

Article posted on 18th November, 2009 - 2.57pm
Police inquiries costs spiral towards £1.5m

Syvret arrest ordered

The fate of Jersey's most senior politican remains unclear after he failed again to appear in the Island's Magistrates Court this morning.

Senator Stuart Syvret is in self-imposed exile in the UK because he claims he cannot get a fair trial in Jersey where he faces charges relating to breaches of the Data Protection Law and driving offences. The charges carry a maximum total fine of £5,500

Senator Syvret claims the court is biased and 'politicised' and is therefore stacked against him. He was due to appear this morning to put his case as to why he does not believe the court will give him a fair hearing, but failed to show. Instead he is in London preparing a case against the Justice Minister Jack Straw for failing to ensure a fair judicial system exists in Jersey.

The Senator was on bail of £100, which he has not paid, and this morning Magistrate Bridget Shaw was left with little alternative but to order his arrest. The Magistrate has no power to hear the case in the absence of the defendant.

It is up to the Law Officers Department now to decide whether to execute that order. They will have to get it approved by a UK judge before authorities there can enforce it. Senator Syvret claims he will not return to the Island until the judicial system changes. That leaves the situation in something of a stalemate unless local authorities decide to pursue the arrest order.

If Senator Syvret DOES return voluntarily to the island, he will immediately be taken into custody and brought before the court as soon as possible. In the meantime he remains a guest of UK Lib Dem MP John Hemming at his London flat.

Syvret arrest ordered

Syvret arrest ordered

The fate of Jersey's most senior politican remains unclear after he failed again to appear in the Island's Magistrates Court this morning.

Senator Stuart Syvret is in self-imposed exile in the UK because he claims he cannot get a fair trial in Jersey where he faces charges relating to breaches of the Data Protection Law and driving offences. The charges carry a maximum total fine of £5,500

Senator Syvret claims the court is biased and 'politicised' and is therefore stacked against him. He was due to appear this morning to put his case as to why he does not believe the court will give him a fair hearing, but failed to show. Instead he is in London preparing a case against the Justice Minister Jack Straw for failing to ensure a fair judicial system exists in Jersey.

The Senator was on bail of £100, which he has not paid, and this morning Magistrate Bridget Shaw was left with little alternative but to order his arrest. The Magistrate has no power to hear the case in the absence of the defendant.

It is up to the Law Officers Department now to decide whether to execute that order. They will have to get it approved by a UK judge before authorities there can enforce it. Senator Syvret claims he will not return to the Island until the judicial system changes. That leaves the situation in something of a stalemate unless local authorities decide to pursue the arrest order.

If Senator Syvret DOES return voluntarily to the island, he will immediately be taken into custody and brought before the court as soon as possible. In the meantime he remains a guest of UK Lib Dem MP John Hemming at his London flat.

Syvret arrest ordered

Syvret arrest ordered

The fate of Jersey's most senior politican remains unclear after he failed again to appear in the Island's Magistrates Court this morning.

Senator Stuart Syvret is in self-imposed exile in the UK because he claims he cannot get a fair trial in Jersey where he faces charges relating to breaches of the Data Protection Law and driving offences. The charges carry a maximum total fine of £5,500

Senator Syvret claims the court is biased and 'politicised' and is therefore stacked against him. He was due to appear this morning to put his case as to why he does not believe the court will give him a fair hearing, but failed to show. Instead he is in London preparing a case against the Justice Minister Jack Straw for failing to ensure a fair judicial system exists in Jersey.

The Senator was on bail of £100, which he has not paid, and this morning Magistrate Bridget Shaw was left with little alternative but to order his arrest. The Magistrate has no power to hear the case in the absence of the defendant.

It is up to the Law Officers Department now to decide whether to execute that order. They will have to get it approved by a UK judge before authorities there can enforce it. Senator Syvret claims he will not return to the Island until the judicial system changes. That leaves the situation in something of a stalemate unless local authorities decide to pursue the arrest order.

If Senator Syvret DOES return voluntarily to the island, he will immediately be taken into custody and brought before the court as soon as possible. In the meantime he remains a guest of UK Lib Dem MP John Hemming at his London flat.

Syvret arrest ordered

Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

By Ben Quérée

AN emotional States Deputy has claimed that her concerns about child abuse within a family were ‘snubbed’ by Social Services three years before the father was jailed for abusing his daughters.

Deputy Jackie Hilton almost broke down as she gave a speech in favour of holding a committee of inquiry into the management of Health and Social Services and the protection of vulnerable children – a proposition that was lost by 30 votes to 20 in the States this morning, with one abstention. The Deputy said that she had come into contact with the family about four years ago and had raised concerns with social workers.

The report accompanying the call for the inquiry cites the same case, stating that the family had been referred to social services 19 times over 21 years over allegations of sexual abuse, domestic violence and neglect. But when the mother of the children died, they were left in the sole care of the father – despite a 2005 psychologist’s report saying that he represented a danger to children.

And Deputy Hilton added that even after the father was charged with abuse, there had been no serious case inquiry within Social Services about how things had gone so wrong. She is now formally applying for an internal inquiry to be carried out.

The proposition for a committee of inquiry was tabled by the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny panel, led by Senator Alan Breckon. Ministers fought against it, saying that work to improve Social Services was already going on and that an inquiry would delay it.

Article posted on 5th November, 2009 - 2.59pm
Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

By Ben Quérée

AN emotional States Deputy has claimed that her concerns about child abuse within a family were ‘snubbed’ by Social Services three years before the father was jailed for abusing his daughters.

Deputy Jackie Hilton almost broke down as she gave a speech in favour of holding a committee of inquiry into the management of Health and Social Services and the protection of vulnerable children – a proposition that was lost by 30 votes to 20 in the States this morning, with one abstention. The Deputy said that she had come into contact with the family about four years ago and had raised concerns with social workers.

The report accompanying the call for the inquiry cites the same case, stating that the family had been referred to social services 19 times over 21 years over allegations of sexual abuse, domestic violence and neglect. But when the mother of the children died, they were left in the sole care of the father – despite a 2005 psychologist’s report saying that he represented a danger to children.

And Deputy Hilton added that even after the father was charged with abuse, there had been no serious case inquiry within Social Services about how things had gone so wrong. She is now formally applying for an internal inquiry to be carried out.

The proposition for a committee of inquiry was tabled by the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny panel, led by Senator Alan Breckon. Ministers fought against it, saying that work to improve Social Services was already going on and that an inquiry would delay it.

Article posted on 5th November, 2009 - 2.59pm
Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

By Ben Quérée

AN emotional States Deputy has claimed that her concerns about child abuse within a family were ‘snubbed’ by Social Services three years before the father was jailed for abusing his daughters.

Deputy Jackie Hilton almost broke down as she gave a speech in favour of holding a committee of inquiry into the management of Health and Social Services and the protection of vulnerable children – a proposition that was lost by 30 votes to 20 in the States this morning, with one abstention. The Deputy said that she had come into contact with the family about four years ago and had raised concerns with social workers.

The report accompanying the call for the inquiry cites the same case, stating that the family had been referred to social services 19 times over 21 years over allegations of sexual abuse, domestic violence and neglect. But when the mother of the children died, they were left in the sole care of the father – despite a 2005 psychologist’s report saying that he represented a danger to children.

And Deputy Hilton added that even after the father was charged with abuse, there had been no serious case inquiry within Social Services about how things had gone so wrong. She is now formally applying for an internal inquiry to be carried out.

The proposition for a committee of inquiry was tabled by the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny panel, led by Senator Alan Breckon. Ministers fought against it, saying that work to improve Social Services was already going on and that an inquiry would delay it.

Article posted on 5th November, 2009 - 2.59pm
Deputy claims abuse concerns ‘snubbed’

Bailhache sworn in amid protests

There have been protests while Jersey's new Deputy Bailiff was sworn in.

Jersey has a new Deputy Bailiff despite a protest in the island's Royal Square in St Helier.

William Bailhache, who had been the Attorney General for almost a decade, was sworn in to his new position at the Royal Court.

A group of up to 15 protesters stood outside, blowing whistles and holding placards saying "protest for justice".

One told BBC Jersey he was unhappy with the way the island's judicial system was being run.

'Review of roles'

Mr Bailhache will now act as deputy to the Bailiff - the chief judge and president of Jersey's States.
There is currently a review of the roles of the Bailiff and other crown officers in the island.

William Bailhache
There were protests as William Bailhache was sworn in

Prior to the swearing in ceremony, Mr Bailhache told BBC Jersey: "The position as it now stands will require me to spend some time in The States, as well as a fair amount of time in court."

He said: "I hope as Deputy Bailiff I will stand up for all the best things in this island - being welcoming, non discriminatory, being outward looking and certainly looking after the entire community.

"My father was a lawyer, my grandfather was a lawyer, and my son and daughter are both lawyers. It's difficult to criticise a family just because they produce a lot of lawyers."

Mr Bailhache's brother, Sir Philip Bailhache, recently stood down as Bailiff.

Bailhache sworn in amid protests

Bailhache sworn in amid protests

There have been protests while Jersey's new Deputy Bailiff was sworn in.

Jersey has a new Deputy Bailiff despite a protest in the island's Royal Square in St Helier.

William Bailhache, who had been the Attorney General for almost a decade, was sworn in to his new position at the Royal Court.

A group of up to 15 protesters stood outside, blowing whistles and holding placards saying "protest for justice".

One told BBC Jersey he was unhappy with the way the island's judicial system was being run.

'Review of roles'

Mr Bailhache will now act as deputy to the Bailiff - the chief judge and president of Jersey's States.
There is currently a review of the roles of the Bailiff and other crown officers in the island.

William Bailhache
There were protests as William Bailhache was sworn in

Prior to the swearing in ceremony, Mr Bailhache told BBC Jersey: "The position as it now stands will require me to spend some time in The States, as well as a fair amount of time in court."

He said: "I hope as Deputy Bailiff I will stand up for all the best things in this island - being welcoming, non discriminatory, being outward looking and certainly looking after the entire community.

"My father was a lawyer, my grandfather was a lawyer, and my son and daughter are both lawyers. It's difficult to criticise a family just because they produce a lot of lawyers."

Mr Bailhache's brother, Sir Philip Bailhache, recently stood down as Bailiff.

Bailhache sworn in amid protests

Bailhache sworn in amid protests

There have been protests while Jersey's new Deputy Bailiff was sworn in.

Jersey has a new Deputy Bailiff despite a protest in the island's Royal Square in St Helier.

William Bailhache, who had been the Attorney General for almost a decade, was sworn in to his new position at the Royal Court.

A group of up to 15 protesters stood outside, blowing whistles and holding placards saying "protest for justice".

One told BBC Jersey he was unhappy with the way the island's judicial system was being run.

'Review of roles'

Mr Bailhache will now act as deputy to the Bailiff - the chief judge and president of Jersey's States.
There is currently a review of the roles of the Bailiff and other crown officers in the island.

William Bailhache
There were protests as William Bailhache was sworn in

Prior to the swearing in ceremony, Mr Bailhache told BBC Jersey: "The position as it now stands will require me to spend some time in The States, as well as a fair amount of time in court."

He said: "I hope as Deputy Bailiff I will stand up for all the best things in this island - being welcoming, non discriminatory, being outward looking and certainly looking after the entire community.

"My father was a lawyer, my grandfather was a lawyer, and my son and daughter are both lawyers. It's difficult to criticise a family just because they produce a lot of lawyers."

Mr Bailhache's brother, Sir Philip Bailhache, recently stood down as Bailiff.

Bailhache sworn in amid protests