Former head of Jersey inquiry attacks island's legal system

Lenny Harper, who led child abuse investigation for two years, claims victims held authorities 'in contempt'

James Orr

The former head of the Jersey child abuse investigation today launched a scathing attack on the island's legal system, claiming victims held authorities "in contempt".

Lenny Harper retired from his role as deputy chief officer of Jersey police this month after leading one of Britain's biggest child abuse inquiries for two years.

The case centred on the former children's home Haut de la Garenne, where more than 100 people claim they were abused and the remains of five children have been found.

So far three people have been charged in connection with the scandal, but Harper believes that had there been fewer delays more people could have been caught.

Harper, who has retired to Ayrshire, told BBC News that his team would gather victims' statements but would then run into "inexplicable delays".

He said he felt as if "the goalposts were being moved" and that the decision-making process for the Jersey legal system appeared to be "whenever, wherever".

"The legal system has to accept the reality of the situation, he said. "They are not trusted at all by the victims. They are held in contempt by the vast majority of the victims."

Harper revealed that his team had been promised a dedicated lawyer to help their investigation but that he "just wasn't there". He added that for long periods they had no legal assistance whatsoever.

More than 100 former residents at Haut de la Garenne, which closed in 1986, have alleged that they were physically and sexually abused.

The police investigation has concentrated on the period between 1960 and 1980, although some allegations of abuse date back to 1945.

Forensic teams uncovered secret underground chambers which some victims referred to as "punishment rooms" where they were kept in solitary confinement, drugged, beaten and raped.

They found the partial remains of five children as well as a bloodstained bath and shackles.

The search also included a second world war bunker near to the home where victims claim they were taken.

Harper said one of the abuse victims came to see him two months ago and told him: "Nobody would listen." Harper said these victims were being denied "the service they deserved".

Jersey's attorney general, William Bailhache QC, said in a statement that his department had received six files, of which three had resulted in charges, two were under review and one was the subject of further police inquiries.

He said: "We have a good working relationship with the police, which is ongoing.

"We will fulfill our functions independently and professionally."