Will Jack Straw MP Intervene in the Jersey Abuse Scandal

~ Jack Straw MP

Can the victims of abuse at Haut de la Garenne and elsewhere in Jersey receive fair and impartial justice? Senator Stuart Syvret and a growing number of people say no.

Keep in mind Philip Bailhache is both speaker of Jersey’s parliament and head of the judicial system. And, least we forget, Bailhache co-opted the Liberation Day speech last month and claimed the problem in Jersey was the media's coverage of the 'so-called child abuse scandal'. His brother William is Jersey’s Attorney General.

As a dependency of the Crown, the United Kingdom provides defense, citizenship and diplomatic relations for the island. In all other matters, Jersey is self-governing.

Senator Syvret has written to Jack Straw MP, UK Justice Secretary, asking that he meet the UK’s obligation to ensure the good administration of justice for the abuse victims. Under his jurisdiction, Straw does have the power to intervene.

Syvret and others fear that past claims of abuse have been dropped and summarily swept under the rug by Jersey’s judicial system and that history will repeat itself with claims arising from the current investigation, led by DCO Lenny Harper.

Senator Syvret has also asked Straw to ensure complete separation of the judiciary and legislature.

The full article can be found at the Telegraph or Senator Stuart Syvret’s Blog.

My musings:

~ I have not yet seen a response to Senator Syvret’s request from Jack Straw.

~ I have read several instances from UK abuse victims who contacted Straw, never to receive a reply.

~ September 2000, Straw’s brother, William was found guilty of an indecent assault on a 16-year-old girl and placed on the sex offenders' register for five years.

Will Jack Straw and the UK step up and do the right thing for Jersey? Or, will the Jersey embarrassment become the UK’s embarrassment?