‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

By Dolores Cowburn

HOME Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand will resign if States Members do not back David Warcup as the next police chief.

The Senator warned yesterday that if acting chief officer Mr Warcup was not appointed by the States, he would accept that the House had no confidence in his ministry and would quit. He was speaking after a hearing with the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny panel yesterday.

The panel wanted to find out why the proposition for Mr Warcup’s appointment had been progressed while current police chief Graham Power remains suspended.

The panel, chaired by Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, asked the Senator whether he would delay the proposition regarding Mr Warcup’s appointment until Mr Power’s retirement in July. The Senator refused and said that he would have started the process for a new chief officer even if Mr Power was still in office, as the department needed continuity.

Article posted on 31st March, 2010 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

By Dolores Cowburn

HOME Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand will resign if States Members do not back David Warcup as the next police chief.

The Senator warned yesterday that if acting chief officer Mr Warcup was not appointed by the States, he would accept that the House had no confidence in his ministry and would quit. He was speaking after a hearing with the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny panel yesterday.

The panel wanted to find out why the proposition for Mr Warcup’s appointment had been progressed while current police chief Graham Power remains suspended.

The panel, chaired by Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, asked the Senator whether he would delay the proposition regarding Mr Warcup’s appointment until Mr Power’s retirement in July. The Senator refused and said that he would have started the process for a new chief officer even if Mr Power was still in office, as the department needed continuity.

Article posted on 31st March, 2010 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

By Dolores Cowburn

HOME Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand will resign if States Members do not back David Warcup as the next police chief.

The Senator warned yesterday that if acting chief officer Mr Warcup was not appointed by the States, he would accept that the House had no confidence in his ministry and would quit. He was speaking after a hearing with the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny panel yesterday.

The panel wanted to find out why the proposition for Mr Warcup’s appointment had been progressed while current police chief Graham Power remains suspended.

The panel, chaired by Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, asked the Senator whether he would delay the proposition regarding Mr Warcup’s appointment until Mr Power’s retirement in July. The Senator refused and said that he would have started the process for a new chief officer even if Mr Power was still in office, as the department needed continuity.

Article posted on 31st March, 2010 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll resign over police chief appointment’

Guilty of child pornography charges

Andrew Roberts arriving at the Royal Court yesterday Picture: MATTHEW HOTTON (00924118)

A FORMER honorary policeman has been convicted of downloading more than 500 indecent and graphic photographs of children on his home computers.

Andrew David Roberts looked for the most ‘disturbing’ and ‘depraved’ images in the Google search engine, as well as exchanging child porn with another email contact.

The Inferior Number of the Royal Court took less than an hour to find the 40-year-old guilty on two charges. The married father, who used special software to then delete the images, did not react when the verdict was announced.

Roberts, of Rue des Landes, St Peter, had denied breaking the Protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994 by making 354 indecent images of children between 1 January and 20 December 2007 and making 179 indecent photographs of children between 1 January 2008 and 26 February last year.

Article posted on 30th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
Guilty of child pornography charges

Guilty of child pornography charges

Andrew Roberts arriving at the Royal Court yesterday Picture: MATTHEW HOTTON (00924118)

A FORMER honorary policeman has been convicted of downloading more than 500 indecent and graphic photographs of children on his home computers.

Andrew David Roberts looked for the most ‘disturbing’ and ‘depraved’ images in the Google search engine, as well as exchanging child porn with another email contact.

The Inferior Number of the Royal Court took less than an hour to find the 40-year-old guilty on two charges. The married father, who used special software to then delete the images, did not react when the verdict was announced.

Roberts, of Rue des Landes, St Peter, had denied breaking the Protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994 by making 354 indecent images of children between 1 January and 20 December 2007 and making 179 indecent photographs of children between 1 January 2008 and 26 February last year.

Article posted on 30th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
Guilty of child pornography charges

Guilty of child pornography charges

Andrew Roberts arriving at the Royal Court yesterday Picture: MATTHEW HOTTON (00924118)

A FORMER honorary policeman has been convicted of downloading more than 500 indecent and graphic photographs of children on his home computers.

Andrew David Roberts looked for the most ‘disturbing’ and ‘depraved’ images in the Google search engine, as well as exchanging child porn with another email contact.

The Inferior Number of the Royal Court took less than an hour to find the 40-year-old guilty on two charges. The married father, who used special software to then delete the images, did not react when the verdict was announced.

Roberts, of Rue des Landes, St Peter, had denied breaking the Protection of Children (Jersey) Law 1994 by making 354 indecent images of children between 1 January and 20 December 2007 and making 179 indecent photographs of children between 1 January 2008 and 26 February last year.

Article posted on 30th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
Guilty of child pornography charges

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

David Warcup joined the Jersey force in August 2008 A Jersey politician has criticised the timing of the proposed appointment of a new permanent chief police officer.

Deputy Roy Le Herissier chairs a panel which will question the home affairs minister about plans to give the job to the acting police chief.

Senator Ian Le Marquand has called for David Warcup to get the job from July.

But Deputy Le Herissier has questioned appointing a new police chief when a dispute over the suspension of the previous chief officer is unresolved.

Mr Warcup has been doing the role in an "acting" capacity following the suspension of Graham Power in 2008 over the alleged handling of the inquiry into historic child abuse at the Haut de la Garenne care home.


It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing
Deputy Roy Le Herissier

Mr Power has since announced his retirement form the force.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the exact reasons and procedures behind his suspension are still being investigated.

Deputy Le Herissier told BBC Jersey: "We're very surprised that the minister is trying to bring this appointment forward before all the issues around Mr Power have been resolved.

"Mr Power has been kept waiting an incredible time for his personal future to be determined in a very public way.

Debate due

"It just seems incredibly odd that cutting across this should be the appointment proposal for his successor. It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing."

The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is to question Senator Le Marquand later on Tuesday at a public hearing.

A recommendation will then be circulated to other politicians.

"What we hope to do is pull together some notes and simply send them in a statement to The States," said Deputy Le Herissier.

"We'll hammer out some comments and get them out within a few days."

Senator Le Marquand's proposal is due to be debated in The States on 20 April.

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

David Warcup joined the Jersey force in August 2008 A Jersey politician has criticised the timing of the proposed appointment of a new permanent chief police officer.

Deputy Roy Le Herissier chairs a panel which will question the home affairs minister about plans to give the job to the acting police chief.

Senator Ian Le Marquand has called for David Warcup to get the job from July.

But Deputy Le Herissier has questioned appointing a new police chief when a dispute over the suspension of the previous chief officer is unresolved.

Mr Warcup has been doing the role in an "acting" capacity following the suspension of Graham Power in 2008 over the alleged handling of the inquiry into historic child abuse at the Haut de la Garenne care home.


It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing
Deputy Roy Le Herissier

Mr Power has since announced his retirement form the force.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the exact reasons and procedures behind his suspension are still being investigated.

Deputy Le Herissier told BBC Jersey: "We're very surprised that the minister is trying to bring this appointment forward before all the issues around Mr Power have been resolved.

"Mr Power has been kept waiting an incredible time for his personal future to be determined in a very public way.

Debate due

"It just seems incredibly odd that cutting across this should be the appointment proposal for his successor. It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing."

The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is to question Senator Le Marquand later on Tuesday at a public hearing.

A recommendation will then be circulated to other politicians.

"What we hope to do is pull together some notes and simply send them in a statement to The States," said Deputy Le Herissier.

"We'll hammer out some comments and get them out within a few days."

Senator Le Marquand's proposal is due to be debated in The States on 20 April.

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

David Warcup joined the Jersey force in August 2008 A Jersey politician has criticised the timing of the proposed appointment of a new permanent chief police officer.

Deputy Roy Le Herissier chairs a panel which will question the home affairs minister about plans to give the job to the acting police chief.

Senator Ian Le Marquand has called for David Warcup to get the job from July.

But Deputy Le Herissier has questioned appointing a new police chief when a dispute over the suspension of the previous chief officer is unresolved.

Mr Warcup has been doing the role in an "acting" capacity following the suspension of Graham Power in 2008 over the alleged handling of the inquiry into historic child abuse at the Haut de la Garenne care home.


It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing
Deputy Roy Le Herissier

Mr Power has since announced his retirement form the force.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the exact reasons and procedures behind his suspension are still being investigated.

Deputy Le Herissier told BBC Jersey: "We're very surprised that the minister is trying to bring this appointment forward before all the issues around Mr Power have been resolved.

"Mr Power has been kept waiting an incredible time for his personal future to be determined in a very public way.

Debate due

"It just seems incredibly odd that cutting across this should be the appointment proposal for his successor. It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing."

The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is to question Senator Le Marquand later on Tuesday at a public hearing.

A recommendation will then be circulated to other politicians.

"What we hope to do is pull together some notes and simply send them in a statement to The States," said Deputy Le Herissier.

"We'll hammer out some comments and get them out within a few days."

Senator Le Marquand's proposal is due to be debated in The States on 20 April.

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

By Andy Sibcy

LAST week’s revelations that child protection services failed to stop a boy being abused and neglected for 12 years show that an official inquiry is needed into the management of Health and Social Services, says Senator Alan Breckon.

He has written to all States Members saying that a committee of inquiry should have been convened.

And he believes there is a now a need for open, focussed and reasoned debate about child protection not marred by personal animosity.

In September last year, the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel, which the Senator chairs, lodged a States proposition calling for just such an inquiry. The proposition was drafted by a sub panel of the main panel convened to look into the issue.

However, when the States debated the proposals, it was heavily defeated, with every minister and two former Health Ministers voting against it.

Article posted on 29th March, 2010 - 2.57pm
Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

By Andy Sibcy

LAST week’s revelations that child protection services failed to stop a boy being abused and neglected for 12 years show that an official inquiry is needed into the management of Health and Social Services, says Senator Alan Breckon.

He has written to all States Members saying that a committee of inquiry should have been convened.

And he believes there is a now a need for open, focussed and reasoned debate about child protection not marred by personal animosity.

In September last year, the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel, which the Senator chairs, lodged a States proposition calling for just such an inquiry. The proposition was drafted by a sub panel of the main panel convened to look into the issue.

However, when the States debated the proposals, it was heavily defeated, with every minister and two former Health Ministers voting against it.

Article posted on 29th March, 2010 - 2.57pm
Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

By Andy Sibcy

LAST week’s revelations that child protection services failed to stop a boy being abused and neglected for 12 years show that an official inquiry is needed into the management of Health and Social Services, says Senator Alan Breckon.

He has written to all States Members saying that a committee of inquiry should have been convened.

And he believes there is a now a need for open, focussed and reasoned debate about child protection not marred by personal animosity.

In September last year, the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel, which the Senator chairs, lodged a States proposition calling for just such an inquiry. The proposition was drafted by a sub panel of the main panel convened to look into the issue.

However, when the States debated the proposals, it was heavily defeated, with every minister and two former Health Ministers voting against it.

Article posted on 29th March, 2010 - 2.57pm
Abuse case shows inquiry is needed, says Senator

‘Lessons have been learnt’

By Andy Sibcy

Health Minister Anne Pryke at the press conference with Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand (left) and Education Minister James Reed.

THE Health Minister yesterday refused to say whether anyone would face disciplinary action over failures to stop a boy suffering abuse and neglect for more than a decade.

Deputy Anne Pryke faced the media yesterday after the publication of a damning report which looked at how many agencies failed the boy.

She said that lessons had and would continue to be learned, but would not say whether any action was being taken against individuals.

The serious case review, which was published by the Jersey Child Protection Committee – a body charged with overseeing child protection services, found evidence that the boy had been left prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect.

It made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child, to a greater or lesser extent, for 12 years.

Deputy Pryke appeared at yesterday’s press conference as the chairman of the children’s policy group, a States panel charged with child protection. Fellow group members Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand and Education Minister James Reed were also there.

Article posted on 27th March, 2010 - 2.58pm

‘Lessons have been learnt’

‘Lessons have been learnt’

By Andy Sibcy

Health Minister Anne Pryke at the press conference with Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand (left) and Education Minister James Reed.

THE Health Minister yesterday refused to say whether anyone would face disciplinary action over failures to stop a boy suffering abuse and neglect for more than a decade.

Deputy Anne Pryke faced the media yesterday after the publication of a damning report which looked at how many agencies failed the boy.

She said that lessons had and would continue to be learned, but would not say whether any action was being taken against individuals.

The serious case review, which was published by the Jersey Child Protection Committee – a body charged with overseeing child protection services, found evidence that the boy had been left prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect.

It made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child, to a greater or lesser extent, for 12 years.

Deputy Pryke appeared at yesterday’s press conference as the chairman of the children’s policy group, a States panel charged with child protection. Fellow group members Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand and Education Minister James Reed were also there.

Article posted on 27th March, 2010 - 2.58pm

‘Lessons have been learnt’

‘Lessons have been learnt’

By Andy Sibcy

Health Minister Anne Pryke at the press conference with Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand (left) and Education Minister James Reed.

THE Health Minister yesterday refused to say whether anyone would face disciplinary action over failures to stop a boy suffering abuse and neglect for more than a decade.

Deputy Anne Pryke faced the media yesterday after the publication of a damning report which looked at how many agencies failed the boy.

She said that lessons had and would continue to be learned, but would not say whether any action was being taken against individuals.

The serious case review, which was published by the Jersey Child Protection Committee – a body charged with overseeing child protection services, found evidence that the boy had been left prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect.

It made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child, to a greater or lesser extent, for 12 years.

Deputy Pryke appeared at yesterday’s press conference as the chairman of the children’s policy group, a States panel charged with child protection. Fellow group members Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand and Education Minister James Reed were also there.

Article posted on 27th March, 2010 - 2.58pm

‘Lessons have been learnt’

Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

The health minister said the failures would not happen again Jersey authorities failed to protect three children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a 12-year period, a review has found.

The report, by the Jersey Child Protection Committee (JCPC), found there were serious failings in the quality of care from the authorities.

It said there was no clear protection plan and important information was not shared between agencies.

The health and social services minister has apologised to the family.

The serious case review is the first of its kind in the island.

It looked at the quality of service a child, known only as BA, and two siblings, received from various States departments between 1996 and 2008.

It identified a number of failings in various agencies, including Children's Services, Health and Social Services and the Law Officer's Department.


I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again
Deputy Anne Pryke, Health Minister

Independent chair of the JCPC Mike Taylor, said "Despite 12 years of engagement with this family, until latterly, there was no clear protection plan and no measurable improvement targets."

Too much emphasis had been placed on the risk of sexual abuse and not enough attention paid to possible neglect and emotional abuse, the report also found.

The children's mother was too often viewed as the client rather than the children, it said.

"There was a failure of supervision and management to challenge the conclusions being reached," said Mr Taylor.

'Lack of action'

Because important information was not shared between agencies that worked with the children appropriate action was not taken.

"Any lack of action was not adequately challenged," Mr Taylor added.

The report found the police had not passed on relevant information, the education department had not pursued their concerns fully and the health department had failed to carry out the right assessments.

Advocate Timothy Hanson, the children's lawyer, said: "It reveals that there are many failings across a number of agencies, not merely in the past but currently".

The report noted while significant failings had been identified, there had been major changes in policy and practice during the review period.

'Safe and in care'

Mr Taylor said: "I hope this report will be used constructively to learn important lessons."

Health and Social Service Minister Anne Pryke said: "I want to say sorry to these children and their family."

All three children were now safe and in care, she told BBC Jersey.

"The serious case review shows how things went wrong and my fellow ministers and I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

"Some of the recommendations of the review have already been implemented," she added.

Last year, the States of Jersey agreed to spend £3.2m improving child protection services.
Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

The health minister said the failures would not happen again Jersey authorities failed to protect three children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a 12-year period, a review has found.

The report, by the Jersey Child Protection Committee (JCPC), found there were serious failings in the quality of care from the authorities.

It said there was no clear protection plan and important information was not shared between agencies.

The health and social services minister has apologised to the family.

The serious case review is the first of its kind in the island.

It looked at the quality of service a child, known only as BA, and two siblings, received from various States departments between 1996 and 2008.

It identified a number of failings in various agencies, including Children's Services, Health and Social Services and the Law Officer's Department.


I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again
Deputy Anne Pryke, Health Minister

Independent chair of the JCPC Mike Taylor, said "Despite 12 years of engagement with this family, until latterly, there was no clear protection plan and no measurable improvement targets."

Too much emphasis had been placed on the risk of sexual abuse and not enough attention paid to possible neglect and emotional abuse, the report also found.

The children's mother was too often viewed as the client rather than the children, it said.

"There was a failure of supervision and management to challenge the conclusions being reached," said Mr Taylor.

'Lack of action'

Because important information was not shared between agencies that worked with the children appropriate action was not taken.

"Any lack of action was not adequately challenged," Mr Taylor added.

The report found the police had not passed on relevant information, the education department had not pursued their concerns fully and the health department had failed to carry out the right assessments.

Advocate Timothy Hanson, the children's lawyer, said: "It reveals that there are many failings across a number of agencies, not merely in the past but currently".

The report noted while significant failings had been identified, there had been major changes in policy and practice during the review period.

'Safe and in care'

Mr Taylor said: "I hope this report will be used constructively to learn important lessons."

Health and Social Service Minister Anne Pryke said: "I want to say sorry to these children and their family."

All three children were now safe and in care, she told BBC Jersey.

"The serious case review shows how things went wrong and my fellow ministers and I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

"Some of the recommendations of the review have already been implemented," she added.

Last year, the States of Jersey agreed to spend £3.2m improving child protection services.
Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

The health minister said the failures would not happen again Jersey authorities failed to protect three children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a 12-year period, a review has found.

The report, by the Jersey Child Protection Committee (JCPC), found there were serious failings in the quality of care from the authorities.

It said there was no clear protection plan and important information was not shared between agencies.

The health and social services minister has apologised to the family.

The serious case review is the first of its kind in the island.

It looked at the quality of service a child, known only as BA, and two siblings, received from various States departments between 1996 and 2008.

It identified a number of failings in various agencies, including Children's Services, Health and Social Services and the Law Officer's Department.


I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again
Deputy Anne Pryke, Health Minister

Independent chair of the JCPC Mike Taylor, said "Despite 12 years of engagement with this family, until latterly, there was no clear protection plan and no measurable improvement targets."

Too much emphasis had been placed on the risk of sexual abuse and not enough attention paid to possible neglect and emotional abuse, the report also found.

The children's mother was too often viewed as the client rather than the children, it said.

"There was a failure of supervision and management to challenge the conclusions being reached," said Mr Taylor.

'Lack of action'

Because important information was not shared between agencies that worked with the children appropriate action was not taken.

"Any lack of action was not adequately challenged," Mr Taylor added.

The report found the police had not passed on relevant information, the education department had not pursued their concerns fully and the health department had failed to carry out the right assessments.

Advocate Timothy Hanson, the children's lawyer, said: "It reveals that there are many failings across a number of agencies, not merely in the past but currently".

The report noted while significant failings had been identified, there had been major changes in policy and practice during the review period.

'Safe and in care'

Mr Taylor said: "I hope this report will be used constructively to learn important lessons."

Health and Social Service Minister Anne Pryke said: "I want to say sorry to these children and their family."

All three children were now safe and in care, she told BBC Jersey.

"The serious case review shows how things went wrong and my fellow ministers and I are determined to do all we possibly can to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

"Some of the recommendations of the review have already been implemented," she added.

Last year, the States of Jersey agreed to spend £3.2m improving child protection services.
Jersey agencies 'failed to protect children from abuse'

Authorities damned in abuse case

Hannah Collier reports


For more than a decade three children - all from the same family -suffered systematic abuse while the authorities in Jersey looked on and did nothing.

A damning independent report by the Jersey Child Protection Committee criticises the police, education, health and the Law Officers' Department for ignoring the family's plight. The Serious Case Review - the first of its kind in the island - makes more than 30 recommendations aimed at preventing similar situations ever arising again.

The Serious Case Review is focused on Child A, the oldest of three children and stems from March 1996 to March 2008. Concerns were raised for the safety of Child A soon after birth in early 1996. He was placed on the Child Protection Register immediately, his father had already been charged with a serious offence involving a child. The children were removed from their mother in 1999, but instead of being adopted as planned they were put back with the family in 2001, where the abuse continued. In the five years that followed there were reports that Child A was abusing his younger siblings. And fears were raised again in February 2006 when the mothers alleged abuser was found to be regularly watching the children. Despite all this, in late 2006 the children's names were removed from the protection register. In January 2008 a new social worker was appointed to the children. In February they were removed from the family home.

Now the failings lay with almost all of the States departments, the Health department for not assessing the children, education who ignored teachers fears, the police who didn't share information and children's services for the catalogue of errors which left three vulnerable children in a home where they were abused. But despite the damning report Deputy Anne Pryke, head of the islands Children's Policy Group, said no one was going to take the blame. She said:

"By being open and transparent to learn from these lessons is by our staff being open to talk about it without fear of repercussions in a safe environment and if we had the threat of repercussions or whatever then that is counter-productive. It's got to be in way that staff are open and feel safe talking about it."

And despite, apparently, no one being to blame, the Chairman of the Jersey Child Protection Committee Mike Taylor said he would be ensuring that the recommendations for each departments would be implemented. He said: "Our responsibility in delivery is not pointing too fine a point on it is to blow the whistle if it isn't happening because these plans and these actions and these commitments are about better child protection in Jersey."

The children are now safely away from the family home and receiving therapy to cope with the trauma they have endured in their short lives.

Authorities damned in abuse case

Authorities damned in abuse case

Hannah Collier reports


For more than a decade three children - all from the same family -suffered systematic abuse while the authorities in Jersey looked on and did nothing.

A damning independent report by the Jersey Child Protection Committee criticises the police, education, health and the Law Officers' Department for ignoring the family's plight. The Serious Case Review - the first of its kind in the island - makes more than 30 recommendations aimed at preventing similar situations ever arising again.

The Serious Case Review is focused on Child A, the oldest of three children and stems from March 1996 to March 2008. Concerns were raised for the safety of Child A soon after birth in early 1996. He was placed on the Child Protection Register immediately, his father had already been charged with a serious offence involving a child. The children were removed from their mother in 1999, but instead of being adopted as planned they were put back with the family in 2001, where the abuse continued. In the five years that followed there were reports that Child A was abusing his younger siblings. And fears were raised again in February 2006 when the mothers alleged abuser was found to be regularly watching the children. Despite all this, in late 2006 the children's names were removed from the protection register. In January 2008 a new social worker was appointed to the children. In February they were removed from the family home.

Now the failings lay with almost all of the States departments, the Health department for not assessing the children, education who ignored teachers fears, the police who didn't share information and children's services for the catalogue of errors which left three vulnerable children in a home where they were abused. But despite the damning report Deputy Anne Pryke, head of the islands Children's Policy Group, said no one was going to take the blame. She said:

"By being open and transparent to learn from these lessons is by our staff being open to talk about it without fear of repercussions in a safe environment and if we had the threat of repercussions or whatever then that is counter-productive. It's got to be in way that staff are open and feel safe talking about it."

And despite, apparently, no one being to blame, the Chairman of the Jersey Child Protection Committee Mike Taylor said he would be ensuring that the recommendations for each departments would be implemented. He said: "Our responsibility in delivery is not pointing too fine a point on it is to blow the whistle if it isn't happening because these plans and these actions and these commitments are about better child protection in Jersey."

The children are now safely away from the family home and receiving therapy to cope with the trauma they have endured in their short lives.

Authorities damned in abuse case

Authorities damned in abuse case

Hannah Collier reports


For more than a decade three children - all from the same family -suffered systematic abuse while the authorities in Jersey looked on and did nothing.

A damning independent report by the Jersey Child Protection Committee criticises the police, education, health and the Law Officers' Department for ignoring the family's plight. The Serious Case Review - the first of its kind in the island - makes more than 30 recommendations aimed at preventing similar situations ever arising again.

The Serious Case Review is focused on Child A, the oldest of three children and stems from March 1996 to March 2008. Concerns were raised for the safety of Child A soon after birth in early 1996. He was placed on the Child Protection Register immediately, his father had already been charged with a serious offence involving a child. The children were removed from their mother in 1999, but instead of being adopted as planned they were put back with the family in 2001, where the abuse continued. In the five years that followed there were reports that Child A was abusing his younger siblings. And fears were raised again in February 2006 when the mothers alleged abuser was found to be regularly watching the children. Despite all this, in late 2006 the children's names were removed from the protection register. In January 2008 a new social worker was appointed to the children. In February they were removed from the family home.

Now the failings lay with almost all of the States departments, the Health department for not assessing the children, education who ignored teachers fears, the police who didn't share information and children's services for the catalogue of errors which left three vulnerable children in a home where they were abused. But despite the damning report Deputy Anne Pryke, head of the islands Children's Policy Group, said no one was going to take the blame. She said:

"By being open and transparent to learn from these lessons is by our staff being open to talk about it without fear of repercussions in a safe environment and if we had the threat of repercussions or whatever then that is counter-productive. It's got to be in way that staff are open and feel safe talking about it."

And despite, apparently, no one being to blame, the Chairman of the Jersey Child Protection Committee Mike Taylor said he would be ensuring that the recommendations for each departments would be implemented. He said: "Our responsibility in delivery is not pointing too fine a point on it is to blow the whistle if it isn't happening because these plans and these actions and these commitments are about better child protection in Jersey."

The children are now safely away from the family home and receiving therapy to cope with the trauma they have endured in their short lives.

Authorities damned in abuse case

An apology from Health

By Andy Sibcy

HEALTH Minister Anne Pryke has apologised to children who suffered years of abuse while social services, schools, courts and police failed to protect them.

But in a brief statement issued this morning, Deputy Pryke said that she could not answer questions about the failings revealed by the damning serious case review.

On behalf of colleagues Education Minister James Reed and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, she said that the need to protect the family’s privacy and ensure that any civil action taken on behalf of the children was not prejudiced meant that she could not talk about the findings of the review.

The Deputy said that the review was ‘not about apportioning blame’ but about learning lessons and improving services – a process that she said was already going on, with more money going into social services and improved practice and training.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
An apology from Health

An apology from Health

By Andy Sibcy

HEALTH Minister Anne Pryke has apologised to children who suffered years of abuse while social services, schools, courts and police failed to protect them.

But in a brief statement issued this morning, Deputy Pryke said that she could not answer questions about the failings revealed by the damning serious case review.

On behalf of colleagues Education Minister James Reed and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, she said that the need to protect the family’s privacy and ensure that any civil action taken on behalf of the children was not prejudiced meant that she could not talk about the findings of the review.

The Deputy said that the review was ‘not about apportioning blame’ but about learning lessons and improving services – a process that she said was already going on, with more money going into social services and improved practice and training.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
An apology from Health

An apology from Health

By Andy Sibcy

HEALTH Minister Anne Pryke has apologised to children who suffered years of abuse while social services, schools, courts and police failed to protect them.

But in a brief statement issued this morning, Deputy Pryke said that she could not answer questions about the failings revealed by the damning serious case review.

On behalf of colleagues Education Minister James Reed and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, she said that the need to protect the family’s privacy and ensure that any civil action taken on behalf of the children was not prejudiced meant that she could not talk about the findings of the review.

The Deputy said that the review was ‘not about apportioning blame’ but about learning lessons and improving services – a process that she said was already going on, with more money going into social services and improved practice and training.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 2.59pm
An apology from Health

Generations of abuse

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

By Andy Sibcy

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

SERIOUS failings by Jersey’s child protection services left a very vulnerable child prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect, an independent report reveals today.

The serious case review – the first such investigation to be carried out in Jersey – made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child for 12 years.

Despite regular contact with many support services during that time, the review catalogues their failure to break an appalling cycle of abuse which destroyed a family over two generations.

The review was instigated after the children were finally removed permanently from the care of their mother by the Royal Court in 2008. At those hearings, Advocate Tim Hanson, who represented the children, called for the serious case review.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 3.00pm


Generations of abuse

Generations of abuse

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

By Andy Sibcy

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

SERIOUS failings by Jersey’s child protection services left a very vulnerable child prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect, an independent report reveals today.

The serious case review – the first such investigation to be carried out in Jersey – made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child for 12 years.

Despite regular contact with many support services during that time, the review catalogues their failure to break an appalling cycle of abuse which destroyed a family over two generations.

The review was instigated after the children were finally removed permanently from the care of their mother by the Royal Court in 2008. At those hearings, Advocate Tim Hanson, who represented the children, called for the serious case review.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 3.00pm


Generations of abuse

Generations of abuse

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

By Andy Sibcy

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

Education Minister James Reed, Health Minister Anne Pryke and Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand listen to the findings

SERIOUS failings by Jersey’s child protection services left a very vulnerable child prey to paedophiles in a home characterised by shocking abuse and neglect, an independent report reveals today.

The serious case review – the first such investigation to be carried out in Jersey – made 32 recommendations and found that social services, the courts, the police, schools and other agencies failed the child for 12 years.

Despite regular contact with many support services during that time, the review catalogues their failure to break an appalling cycle of abuse which destroyed a family over two generations.

The review was instigated after the children were finally removed permanently from the care of their mother by the Royal Court in 2008. At those hearings, Advocate Tim Hanson, who represented the children, called for the serious case review.

Article posted on 26th March, 2010 - 3.00pm


Generations of abuse

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

A Jersey politician may be suspended because of comments he made about the Chief Minister.

Deputy Bob Hill claimed Senator Terry Le Sueur had 'opposed fairness', 'justice' and 'couldn't be trusted'.

The comments have angered Senator Ben Shenton and he's complained to the committee responsible for keeping members in check.

Deputy Hill now has to attend a special hearing on Tuesday.

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

A Jersey politician may be suspended because of comments he made about the Chief Minister.

Deputy Bob Hill claimed Senator Terry Le Sueur had 'opposed fairness', 'justice' and 'couldn't be trusted'.

The comments have angered Senator Ben Shenton and he's complained to the committee responsible for keeping members in check.

Deputy Hill now has to attend a special hearing on Tuesday.

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

A Jersey politician may be suspended because of comments he made about the Chief Minister.

Deputy Bob Hill claimed Senator Terry Le Sueur had 'opposed fairness', 'justice' and 'couldn't be trusted'.

The comments have angered Senator Ben Shenton and he's complained to the committee responsible for keeping members in check.

Deputy Hill now has to attend a special hearing on Tuesday.

Deputy of St Martin in trouble

The policeman who left top job after days

By Elaine Byrne
JEP online 23 March 2010

A FORMER detective superintendent from South Wales Police has been named as the officer who resigned less than a week into a top job at the States of Jersey police.

Superintendent Paul Kemp was chosen to head Jersey’s historical abuse inquiry but left after a few days in the job. Yesterday, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand said he believed that the officer might have been put of by the ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks left on some internet blog sites, or because the structure of the police force was ‘quite different’ and more ‘hands on’ than he had expected.

The JEP has been unable to contact Mr Kemp and the States police would only release the following statement, which read: ‘Superintendent Paul Kemp was appointed to take up the role of SIO for the historical abuse inquiry.

‘Mr Kemp tendered his resignation based on personal reasons, shortly after arrival in Jersey, prior to being sworn in as a police officer.’
The JEP goes on to say:

Asked whether anyone else would be recruited for the role now that Mr Kemp had returned to the UK the police spokesperson added: “The historical abuse inquiry continues utilizing staff from the States of Jersey police and contract staff who have been working on the inquiry for some time.


“It is not intended to recruit another person specifically for this role. However, we will take external advice from experts where necessary.’
Mr Kemp, who led a number of murder investigations during his time at South Wales Police, was due to take up the role as the senior investigating officer in Jersey’s ongoing historic abuse inquiry. In 2006, the detective superintendent led an investigation into the rape and kidnap of a three year old girl abducted from her home in Wales, which culminated in a dramatic police chase.

Then in 2007 he also led a murder inquiry after a vicar was stabbed to death in front of his wife and daughter as he answered the door to his vicarage. It is understood that Mr Kemp took up the job in Jersey on Monday 1 March but left before he was due to be sworn into the Royal Court on 5 March.
He was appointed to take over from the former detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, who himself had replaced Deputy police chief Lenny Harper to continue investigating the historical abuse enquiry.

Article posted on 23rd March, 2010 - 2.57pm
The policeman who left top job after days

The policeman who left top job after days

By Elaine Byrne
JEP online 23 March 2010

A FORMER detective superintendent from South Wales Police has been named as the officer who resigned less than a week into a top job at the States of Jersey police.

Superintendent Paul Kemp was chosen to head Jersey’s historical abuse inquiry but left after a few days in the job. Yesterday, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand said he believed that the officer might have been put of by the ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks left on some internet blog sites, or because the structure of the police force was ‘quite different’ and more ‘hands on’ than he had expected.

The JEP has been unable to contact Mr Kemp and the States police would only release the following statement, which read: ‘Superintendent Paul Kemp was appointed to take up the role of SIO for the historical abuse inquiry.

‘Mr Kemp tendered his resignation based on personal reasons, shortly after arrival in Jersey, prior to being sworn in as a police officer.’
The JEP goes on to say:

Asked whether anyone else would be recruited for the role now that Mr Kemp had returned to the UK the police spokesperson added: “The historical abuse inquiry continues utilizing staff from the States of Jersey police and contract staff who have been working on the inquiry for some time.


“It is not intended to recruit another person specifically for this role. However, we will take external advice from experts where necessary.’
Mr Kemp, who led a number of murder investigations during his time at South Wales Police, was due to take up the role as the senior investigating officer in Jersey’s ongoing historic abuse inquiry. In 2006, the detective superintendent led an investigation into the rape and kidnap of a three year old girl abducted from her home in Wales, which culminated in a dramatic police chase.

Then in 2007 he also led a murder inquiry after a vicar was stabbed to death in front of his wife and daughter as he answered the door to his vicarage. It is understood that Mr Kemp took up the job in Jersey on Monday 1 March but left before he was due to be sworn into the Royal Court on 5 March.
He was appointed to take over from the former detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, who himself had replaced Deputy police chief Lenny Harper to continue investigating the historical abuse enquiry.

Article posted on 23rd March, 2010 - 2.57pm
The policeman who left top job after days

The policeman who left top job after days

By Elaine Byrne
JEP online 23 March 2010

A FORMER detective superintendent from South Wales Police has been named as the officer who resigned less than a week into a top job at the States of Jersey police.

Superintendent Paul Kemp was chosen to head Jersey’s historical abuse inquiry but left after a few days in the job. Yesterday, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand said he believed that the officer might have been put of by the ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks left on some internet blog sites, or because the structure of the police force was ‘quite different’ and more ‘hands on’ than he had expected.

The JEP has been unable to contact Mr Kemp and the States police would only release the following statement, which read: ‘Superintendent Paul Kemp was appointed to take up the role of SIO for the historical abuse inquiry.

‘Mr Kemp tendered his resignation based on personal reasons, shortly after arrival in Jersey, prior to being sworn in as a police officer.’
The JEP goes on to say:

Asked whether anyone else would be recruited for the role now that Mr Kemp had returned to the UK the police spokesperson added: “The historical abuse inquiry continues utilizing staff from the States of Jersey police and contract staff who have been working on the inquiry for some time.


“It is not intended to recruit another person specifically for this role. However, we will take external advice from experts where necessary.’
Mr Kemp, who led a number of murder investigations during his time at South Wales Police, was due to take up the role as the senior investigating officer in Jersey’s ongoing historic abuse inquiry. In 2006, the detective superintendent led an investigation into the rape and kidnap of a three year old girl abducted from her home in Wales, which culminated in a dramatic police chase.

Then in 2007 he also led a murder inquiry after a vicar was stabbed to death in front of his wife and daughter as he answered the door to his vicarage. It is understood that Mr Kemp took up the job in Jersey on Monday 1 March but left before he was due to be sworn into the Royal Court on 5 March.
He was appointed to take over from the former detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, who himself had replaced Deputy police chief Lenny Harper to continue investigating the historical abuse enquiry.

Article posted on 23rd March, 2010 - 2.57pm
The policeman who left top job after days

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

A panel set up to advise police on the handling of the Haut de la Garenne inquiry achieved 'absolutely nothing' according to Jersey Senator Alan Breckon.

He's angry and is demanding answers in the States tomorrow. The politician believes what's needed is an Independent Police Authority. It's been talked about for more than a decade. But there's been no action.

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

A panel set up to advise police on the handling of the Haut de la Garenne inquiry achieved 'absolutely nothing' according to Jersey Senator Alan Breckon.

He's angry and is demanding answers in the States tomorrow. The politician believes what's needed is an Independent Police Authority. It's been talked about for more than a decade. But there's been no action.

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

A panel set up to advise police on the handling of the Haut de la Garenne inquiry achieved 'absolutely nothing' according to Jersey Senator Alan Breckon.

He's angry and is demanding answers in the States tomorrow. The politician believes what's needed is an Independent Police Authority. It's been talked about for more than a decade. But there's been no action.

Senator calls for Independent Police Authority

UK police expert goes in four days

By Elaine Byrne

A senior police officer from the UK is believed to have given up the job after just four days.

A SENIOR UK superintendent walked out of the States police less than a week into the job after realising he had entered ‘the eye of a storm’, the Home Affairs Minister has claimed.

Senator Ian Le Marquand believes that the officer was put off by ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks on police officers on some of the Island’s internet blog sites.

Now the minister fears that such attacks could have a major impact on the recruitment of ‘high quality’ employees from outside the Island.

The UK superintendent was recruited to replace detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, the senior investigating officer in the historical abuse inquiry, but it is understood that he left within four days of his appointment at the beginning of March.

Article posted on 22nd March, 2010 - 3.00pm
UK police expert goes in four days

UK police expert goes in four days

By Elaine Byrne

A senior police officer from the UK is believed to have given up the job after just four days.

A SENIOR UK superintendent walked out of the States police less than a week into the job after realising he had entered ‘the eye of a storm’, the Home Affairs Minister has claimed.

Senator Ian Le Marquand believes that the officer was put off by ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks on police officers on some of the Island’s internet blog sites.

Now the minister fears that such attacks could have a major impact on the recruitment of ‘high quality’ employees from outside the Island.

The UK superintendent was recruited to replace detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, the senior investigating officer in the historical abuse inquiry, but it is understood that he left within four days of his appointment at the beginning of March.

Article posted on 22nd March, 2010 - 3.00pm
UK police expert goes in four days

UK police expert goes in four days

By Elaine Byrne

A senior police officer from the UK is believed to have given up the job after just four days.

A SENIOR UK superintendent walked out of the States police less than a week into the job after realising he had entered ‘the eye of a storm’, the Home Affairs Minister has claimed.

Senator Ian Le Marquand believes that the officer was put off by ‘vicious and scurrilous’ attacks on police officers on some of the Island’s internet blog sites.

Now the minister fears that such attacks could have a major impact on the recruitment of ‘high quality’ employees from outside the Island.

The UK superintendent was recruited to replace detective superintendent Mick Gradwell, the senior investigating officer in the historical abuse inquiry, but it is understood that he left within four days of his appointment at the beginning of March.

Article posted on 22nd March, 2010 - 3.00pm
UK police expert goes in four days

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

Police officer at former home Haut de la Garenne
Haut de la Garenne was closed as a children's home in 1986

Jersey's government should apologise to people abused in the care system, the home affairs minister has said.

Four years ago police started investigating claims of abuse in children's institutions in the island dating from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Senator Ian Le Marquand said he had no doubt there was abuse in care homes, and the States should say sorry for it.

But he said the apology should only come once all criminal cases relating to the investigation are resolved.

To date there have been four convictions as part of the ongoing historic abuse inquiry.

They have included ex-staff at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Senator Le Marquand told BBC Jersey he thought care-leavers had been misled at the beginning of the inquiry.

"I think the biggest tragedy out of all of this is the false expectations which were raised for care-leavers.

"The expectations that were raised as to what was going to happen and the number of prosecutions was never realistic.

"I think that's very unfair on them."

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

Police officer at former home Haut de la Garenne
Haut de la Garenne was closed as a children's home in 1986

Jersey's government should apologise to people abused in the care system, the home affairs minister has said.

Four years ago police started investigating claims of abuse in children's institutions in the island dating from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Senator Ian Le Marquand said he had no doubt there was abuse in care homes, and the States should say sorry for it.

But he said the apology should only come once all criminal cases relating to the investigation are resolved.

To date there have been four convictions as part of the ongoing historic abuse inquiry.

They have included ex-staff at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Senator Le Marquand told BBC Jersey he thought care-leavers had been misled at the beginning of the inquiry.

"I think the biggest tragedy out of all of this is the false expectations which were raised for care-leavers.

"The expectations that were raised as to what was going to happen and the number of prosecutions was never realistic.

"I think that's very unfair on them."

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

Police officer at former home Haut de la Garenne
Haut de la Garenne was closed as a children's home in 1986

Jersey's government should apologise to people abused in the care system, the home affairs minister has said.

Four years ago police started investigating claims of abuse in children's institutions in the island dating from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Senator Ian Le Marquand said he had no doubt there was abuse in care homes, and the States should say sorry for it.

But he said the apology should only come once all criminal cases relating to the investigation are resolved.

To date there have been four convictions as part of the ongoing historic abuse inquiry.

They have included ex-staff at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Senator Le Marquand told BBC Jersey he thought care-leavers had been misled at the beginning of the inquiry.

"I think the biggest tragedy out of all of this is the false expectations which were raised for care-leavers.

"The expectations that were raised as to what was going to happen and the number of prosecutions was never realistic.

"I think that's very unfair on them."

Jersey child abuse victims 'owed apology from States'

The Pope and ALL who cover up child abuse should be charged with 'VICARIOUS LIABILITY'

Due to the long and arduous legal battles of the 'Medomsley Heroes' a statute was set for 'Vicarious Liability' meaning those who witnessed abuse and who stood by and did nothing are also liable and could potentially be charged. Search: justice4survivors.

International award winning film director Bill Maloney was brought up in the care of brutal UK authorities as were the rest of his family. His passion to expose the truth and ‘tell it how it is’ led a group of courageous abuse victims to approach Maloney to tell their stories.

Pie ‘n’ Mash Films and justice4survivors are part of a chain that is strengthening and linking up throughout the world to make is a safer place for our children - because THEY are the future.

Please google ‘Adam Rickwood & The Medomsley Heroes’ and find Maloney’s latest video report about abuse at St Peter’s Approved School on YouTube: ‘St Peter’s Child Abuse Advert’.

The Pope and ALL who cover up child abuse should be charged with 'VICARIOUS LIABILITY'

Due to the long and arduous legal battles of the 'Medomsley Heroes' a statute was set for 'Vicarious Liability' meaning those who witnessed abuse and who stood by and did nothing are also liable and could potentially be charged. Search: justice4survivors.

International award winning film director Bill Maloney was brought up in the care of brutal UK authorities as were the rest of his family. His passion to expose the truth and ‘tell it how it is’ led a group of courageous abuse victims to approach Maloney to tell their stories.

Pie ‘n’ Mash Films and justice4survivors are part of a chain that is strengthening and linking up throughout the world to make is a safer place for our children - because THEY are the future.

Please google ‘Adam Rickwood & The Medomsley Heroes’ and find Maloney’s latest video report about abuse at St Peter’s Approved School on YouTube: ‘St Peter’s Child Abuse Advert’.

The Pope and ALL who cover up child abuse should be charged with 'VICARIOUS LIABILITY'

Due to the long and arduous legal battles of the 'Medomsley Heroes' a statute was set for 'Vicarious Liability' meaning those who witnessed abuse and who stood by and did nothing are also liable and could potentially be charged. Search: justice4survivors.

International award winning film director Bill Maloney was brought up in the care of brutal UK authorities as were the rest of his family. His passion to expose the truth and ‘tell it how it is’ led a group of courageous abuse victims to approach Maloney to tell their stories.

Pie ‘n’ Mash Films and justice4survivors are part of a chain that is strengthening and linking up throughout the world to make is a safer place for our children - because THEY are the future.

Please google ‘Adam Rickwood & The Medomsley Heroes’ and find Maloney’s latest video report about abuse at St Peter’s Approved School on YouTube: ‘St Peter’s Child Abuse Advert’.

Diane Simon from the jersey evening post eating her words.

by Diane Simon

20 March 2010

States police were commended for their quick response to advice from a senior UK police group about their handling of the historical child abuse inquiry a leaked document shows. The report, leaked on Senator Stuart Syvrets blog, is believed to have been written by the Association of Chief Police Officers homicide working group, who first came to the island in February 2008, six days after deputy police chief Lenny Harper announced that what was believed to be the potential remains of a child had been found at Haut de la Garenne.

Following their first visit, the groups initial recommendations (as previously reported) included that police chief Graham Power should safeguard the inquiry from political demands.

They also recommended that a senior officer should be appointed to temporarily take over Mr Harper’s duties as deputy police chief so that he could concentrate on the demands of the inquiry.

The team returned to the Island several weeks later and noted in a second report that their initial recommendations had been acted upon. “The State of Jersey Police are to be commended for their positive reception of the report and for their extremely prompt response in implementing the recommendations’, the report said.

In respect of the police management of the scene while excavating at Haut de la Garenne, the report said:

• The decision by Mr Harper and the crime scene manager to devise a strategy to search two more basement or cellar rooms’ in the same way as the previous two was correct, as it was based on victims’ allegations of abuse within the confines of those rooms.

• The decision to search the courtyard based on indications from the blood-scenting dogs was also correct, as there was no other intelligence or evidence indicating that offences were committed in these areas.

This week, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand was due to receive a report from States deputy chief executive John Richardson on the findings of the Wiltshire Constabulary on Mr Power’s handling of the inquiry.

He is then planning to meet Mr Power and decide whether to take any disciplinary action.

Diane Simon from the jersey evening post eating her words.

by Diane Simon

20 March 2010

States police were commended for their quick response to advice from a senior UK police group about their handling of the historical child abuse inquiry a leaked document shows. The report, leaked on Senator Stuart Syvrets blog, is believed to have been written by the Association of Chief Police Officers homicide working group, who first came to the island in February 2008, six days after deputy police chief Lenny Harper announced that what was believed to be the potential remains of a child had been found at Haut de la Garenne.

Following their first visit, the groups initial recommendations (as previously reported) included that police chief Graham Power should safeguard the inquiry from political demands.

They also recommended that a senior officer should be appointed to temporarily take over Mr Harper’s duties as deputy police chief so that he could concentrate on the demands of the inquiry.

The team returned to the Island several weeks later and noted in a second report that their initial recommendations had been acted upon. “The State of Jersey Police are to be commended for their positive reception of the report and for their extremely prompt response in implementing the recommendations’, the report said.

In respect of the police management of the scene while excavating at Haut de la Garenne, the report said:

• The decision by Mr Harper and the crime scene manager to devise a strategy to search two more basement or cellar rooms’ in the same way as the previous two was correct, as it was based on victims’ allegations of abuse within the confines of those rooms.

• The decision to search the courtyard based on indications from the blood-scenting dogs was also correct, as there was no other intelligence or evidence indicating that offences were committed in these areas.

This week, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand was due to receive a report from States deputy chief executive John Richardson on the findings of the Wiltshire Constabulary on Mr Power’s handling of the inquiry.

He is then planning to meet Mr Power and decide whether to take any disciplinary action.

Diane Simon from the jersey evening post eating her words.

by Diane Simon

20 March 2010

States police were commended for their quick response to advice from a senior UK police group about their handling of the historical child abuse inquiry a leaked document shows. The report, leaked on Senator Stuart Syvrets blog, is believed to have been written by the Association of Chief Police Officers homicide working group, who first came to the island in February 2008, six days after deputy police chief Lenny Harper announced that what was believed to be the potential remains of a child had been found at Haut de la Garenne.

Following their first visit, the groups initial recommendations (as previously reported) included that police chief Graham Power should safeguard the inquiry from political demands.

They also recommended that a senior officer should be appointed to temporarily take over Mr Harper’s duties as deputy police chief so that he could concentrate on the demands of the inquiry.

The team returned to the Island several weeks later and noted in a second report that their initial recommendations had been acted upon. “The State of Jersey Police are to be commended for their positive reception of the report and for their extremely prompt response in implementing the recommendations’, the report said.

In respect of the police management of the scene while excavating at Haut de la Garenne, the report said:

• The decision by Mr Harper and the crime scene manager to devise a strategy to search two more basement or cellar rooms’ in the same way as the previous two was correct, as it was based on victims’ allegations of abuse within the confines of those rooms.

• The decision to search the courtyard based on indications from the blood-scenting dogs was also correct, as there was no other intelligence or evidence indicating that offences were committed in these areas.

This week, Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand was due to receive a report from States deputy chief executive John Richardson on the findings of the Wiltshire Constabulary on Mr Power’s handling of the inquiry.

He is then planning to meet Mr Power and decide whether to take any disciplinary action.

Child protection services 'make progress'

Hannah Collier speaks to the man in charge of revitalising Jersey's child protection services

After nearly a dozen recommendations, two year's work and £3m set aside - Jersey's child protection services are improving according to the expert who reviewed the system following the Haut De la Garenne child abuse allegations.

Andrew Williamson is helping to oversee the work and has told a public inquiry that he's pleased with the progress.

Two years ago child abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne was international news. In the aftermath a report on the state of Jersey's children's services was made by Uk expert Andrew Williamson.

Back then, he said staff were demoralised; the service needed regular independent review and a strategic plan for the future should be drawn up. Now he say's the service and staff are making significant progress.

One of the main improvements is the employment of independent bodies to review and oversee places like Greenfields

The States have been promised a Childrens Plan by the end of the year. That will be the blueprint for how the childrens service will run in the future. The plan will incorporate all States departments, how they will work together and how they can share resources.

Child protection services 'make progress'

Child protection services 'make progress'

Hannah Collier speaks to the man in charge of revitalising Jersey's child protection services

After nearly a dozen recommendations, two year's work and £3m set aside - Jersey's child protection services are improving according to the expert who reviewed the system following the Haut De la Garenne child abuse allegations.

Andrew Williamson is helping to oversee the work and has told a public inquiry that he's pleased with the progress.

Two years ago child abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne was international news. In the aftermath a report on the state of Jersey's children's services was made by Uk expert Andrew Williamson.

Back then, he said staff were demoralised; the service needed regular independent review and a strategic plan for the future should be drawn up. Now he say's the service and staff are making significant progress.

One of the main improvements is the employment of independent bodies to review and oversee places like Greenfields

The States have been promised a Childrens Plan by the end of the year. That will be the blueprint for how the childrens service will run in the future. The plan will incorporate all States departments, how they will work together and how they can share resources.

Child protection services 'make progress'

Child protection services 'make progress'

Hannah Collier speaks to the man in charge of revitalising Jersey's child protection services

After nearly a dozen recommendations, two year's work and £3m set aside - Jersey's child protection services are improving according to the expert who reviewed the system following the Haut De la Garenne child abuse allegations.

Andrew Williamson is helping to oversee the work and has told a public inquiry that he's pleased with the progress.

Two years ago child abuse at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne was international news. In the aftermath a report on the state of Jersey's children's services was made by Uk expert Andrew Williamson.

Back then, he said staff were demoralised; the service needed regular independent review and a strategic plan for the future should be drawn up. Now he say's the service and staff are making significant progress.

One of the main improvements is the employment of independent bodies to review and oversee places like Greenfields

The States have been promised a Childrens Plan by the end of the year. That will be the blueprint for how the childrens service will run in the future. The plan will incorporate all States departments, how they will work together and how they can share resources.

Child protection services 'make progress'

Police chief post debate next month

By Diane Simon

Acting chief David Warcup has been put forward for the permanent position. STATES Members will be asked next month to approve the appointment of David Warcup as the next police chief, after Graham Power retires in July.

Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand is recommending to the States that Mr Warcup – who is currently acting police chief – should officially be given the job that he has been carrying out since Mr Power’s suspension in November 2008.

Under the Police Force Jersey Law, the debate – in which the States are being asked to agree that the appointment should be for five years, from 21 July – will not be open to the public or media.

Mr Warcup completed a 32-year career in the Northumbria police, most recently as deputy chief constable, before becoming the Island’s deputy police chief.

Police chief post debate next month