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19
WQ.197/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 30th APRIL 2019
Question
Will the Minister advise members how many investigations have been carried out into individuals accused by witnesses in the Independent Jersey Child Care Inquiry of physical or sexual abuse; and how many of the people subject to such investigations have been prosecuted and (if prosecuted) subsequently acquitted or convicted?
Answer
As part of the independent establishment of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI), witness testimony and allegations were not shared with statutory agencies – many of the witnesses gave evidence anonymously. The Inquiry did support and signpost victims with reporting allegations where possible. However, following publication of the IJCI report in July 2017, 2 investigations were conducted. Neither investigation culminated in criminal charges nor prosecution as these cases did not reached the criminal evidential threshold test.
In addition, in June 2015, following an increase in reports of non-recent abuse, the States of Jersey Police (SoJP) established a dedicated investigative team (Operation Whistle) from within existing resources, to investigate these often complex and serious sexual and physical abuse allegations – many dating back decades. A total of 60 investigations have been undertaken by this team during the last 4 years, which did culminate in prosecutions. A team of 4 officers remain committed and dedicated to this work, currently working on 15 non-recent cases.