Lenny Harper retires from police

The man who has led a two-year-long police investigation into historic child abuse in Jersey has retired.

Lenny Harper retired as deputy chief officer of the States of Jersey Police after spending six-and-a-half years with the force.

He will be retiring to his family home in Scotland after taking holidays in France and Italy.

His successor, David Warcup, will be sworn in as deputy chief in the island's Royal Court on Friday.

For nine months in the full glare of the media spotlight, Lenny Harper has been the man answering the questions on the abuse investigation after its initial stages were carried out in secret.

His critics, both politicians and journalists, claimed he enjoyed the limelight too much and that the way information about the initial find of human remains at Haut de la Garenne was released to the media led to sensationalist reporting.

He also faced criticism that his constantly striving to keep the case in the headlines turned it into a personal campaign.

Mr Harper said: "Well, I'm quite comfortable of being accused of carrying out a personal vendetta against child abusers. I don't think I shall lose any sleep over that.

"I don't want to spend too much time talking about that small minority of politicians who have been criticising the inquiry at almost every opportunity. Most of it based on false information." 

He has also not ruled out writing a book about his experiences as an officer.

Police are currently investigating abuse claims dating from the early 1960s to 1986.

There are more than 80 suspects in the inquiry, which is focused on the Haut de la Garenne former children's home. Three people have been charged so far.

The investigation now falls on new deputy chief David Warcup.

With more than 30 years of experience in Northumbria, he said he was committed to the investigation and to those who had alleged abuse.