Asylum For The Senator

As you may remember, the Senator was arrested in April under the Jersey’s data protection laws after he published details of a police investigation into a registered nurse which he believed showed that the person remained a danger to the public and had been ignored by the authorities.

It’s been an interesting few weeks following Stuart Syvret!

We must begin back on October 21 when he authored the following e-mail to the judiciary:

From: Stuart Syvret

Sent: 21 October 2009 14:00

To: David Le Heuze; 'Stephen Baker'; Jonathan Bertram; William Redgrave

Cc: William Bailhache

Subject: Forgetfulness.

Importance: High.

Dear Mr. Le Heuze, Advocate Baker, Mr. Bertram, Mr. Redgrave

I do apologise. You know, these exercises are so complex and demanding, the most obvious of things can escape one's mind!

I can't actually be in court at 2.00 pm this afternoon - as I'm in London - where I have come to seek and secure some heavyweight legal advice. Who knows - perhaps some expertise that might even approach Advocate Baker's mastery of the subject?

Naturally, the people I'm hoping to secure advice from are very learned and very busy, so it has taken longer than I expected. Oh - I nearly forgot - I am also discussing the case with a number of Members of Parliament.

But - as this afternoon's event is merely a directions hearing, there isn't actually a specific requirement for the accused to be present.

Not - frankly - that it would make one atom of difference if I were present; Advocate Baker and the Jersey judiciary are going to undertake the extraordinary and unprecedented step of having the extant - and previously un-resisted defence case - that of public interest disclosure, based upon the catastrophic failure of the 1999 investigation into "Nurse M" - suddenly ruled "inadmissible" - because Advocate Baker and his Jersey oligarchy paymasters simply have no answer to the defence case - whatsoever.

Oh - silly me! I nearly forgot another reason for my presence in London. I'm in the process of finalising my legal action for personal damages against UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw, which I will have served in the next few days. After all, Mr. Straw himself has accepted, on-the-record, that he does carry responsibility for good governance and the proper administration of justice in the Crown Dependencies.

As I'm sure you'll recognise - he has very badly failed to carry out those duties - in a number of cases - not merely mine. For example - there can't be many places in the world that won't prosecute a child battering maniac - preferring instead to leave him in charge of the Education Department.

But, I imagine, such decisions free-up resources to enable the very obviously necessary prosecution of an elected representative of the people of Jersey - for trying to stop their grandmothers getting murdered.

Once again - do please accept my apologies for forgetting to alert you to my absence earlier.

After all - we can all be very forgetful about the most obvious of things - can't we?

For example like a judge turning up to hear a case - and having to borrow the relevant law book from the accused.

Or - oh so easily - the prosecution lawyer, allowing it to escape his mind that - in fact - he was aware of very significant items of evidence relevant to the defence - so didn’t declare or disclose them.

Fortunately, I was able to prompt Advocate Baker and remind him of the existence of that evidence, which he was then able to remember - for example - the fact that Mick Gradwell spent over half his time in Jersey doing nothing except “investigate” me and Lenny Harper.

And that Gradwell had two full-time cops - Mark Cane and Julia Jackson - doing nothing except investigate me - at the behest of Bill Bailhache - in a desperate search for something - anything - that could be used to side-track and discredit me.

You see - even though such evidenced facts are plainly of the most central importance to my abuse of process application - the prosecution unfortunately forgot about them.

It's easily done, I'll concede.

Indeed - why - only this morning I was e-mailed two further items of evidence - which the prosecution had forgotten - hitherto - to make me aware of - let alone disclose.

But - we're all forgetful, once in a while - don't you agree?

So once again, please accept my apologies for forgetting to alert you earlier to my absence.

See you in court next time.

Regards.

Stuart.

OK, yes it was sarcastic and cocky, but consider the incredible frustration Stuart has had to deal with; what with all the dirty tricks and illegal cover-ups and perversion of justice perpetrated by the powers in Jersey, that he has uncovered.

Well as expected, the oligarchy went further insane and on the very same day, the legislature repealed the Human Rights (Jersey) Law 2000! Wait, it gets better and as Stuart says, “you can’t make this stuff up!” By that afternoon it had become a criminal offense not to turn up to a court hearing that one didn’t have to turn up to and an arrest warrant has been issued for Senator Stuart Syvret for contempt of court by Jersey's Magistrate's Court.

British Liberal Democrat MP, John Hemming, offered Stuart sanctuary. Hemming has informed Jersey authorities that any attempt to extradite Syvret will be done “over his dead body!”

“He is staying at my London flat as my guest and they can arrest him over my dead body,” Mr. Hemming said. “He is a brave and principled politician, but the authorities are prosecuting him rather than investigating the allegations about the nurse. We should not allow him to be prosecuted in a kangaroo court.”

Love him or hate him, the Senator firmly believes in his convictions and principles and I respect his doggedness and determination!

On the other hand, when will the powers that be in Jersey finally realize that the rest of us have figured out their motives? Game up!

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Channel Television

The Independent

The Telegraph

Another Outrage In Jersey

UPDATED

Within minutes if not already, Senator Stuart Syvret will be arrested and charged with breaches of the Data Protection Law. As you recall, the good Senator was jailed for seven hours and his residence tossed without a warrant last month. He has been told to present at Police Headquarters at 5.00 pm this afternoon.

This latest outrage comes on the heels of William Bailahche’s announcement the charges and cases against eleven accused child rapists, child batterers, and those who concealed the child abuse are to be dropped.

At this point it is unknown whether Stuart will be allowed bail or will be kept in jail for an unspecified period of time.

Least you forget, William Bailhache is the Attorney General and solely in charge of prosecution decisions in Jersey.

I shall be emailing Mr. Bailhache in a few moments politely (gag) reminding him that he, himself, is not beyond reproach or above the law!

He does so enjoy having his clerk respond to me!

Update from Stuart

Oh - by the way - I'm out...two charges under the data protection law - both very incompetently written.

And guess what? The charging officer stated unambiguously that the charges had been brought under the direction of Bill Bailhache.

Justice - Jersey style.

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Jersey - The Ultimate And Final Betrayal

It really comes as no great or unexpected surprise, yet it does not lessen the profound sadness and despair I, many in Jersey, and people, internationally feel.

The historic abuse inquiry is to be formally announced as “over” – by Gradwell, Warcup and their puppet-master, Bill Bailhache - they’ve decided that it can all be wrapped-up now.

As I sit here weeping for the victims, their unwavering advocates and supporters, the professional and dogged investigators who uncovered volumes of evidence exposing the abuse perpetrators, I am left with a feeling of hollowness and anguish for the good and decent folks of Jersey who continue to suffer at the hands of the upper-crust government buffoons.

“…know this – the memory of this horrifying, decades-old history of foul and monstrous abuse – and the memory of those who contributed to the concealing of that abuse – is not going away; will never be hidden – will never be forgotten about.

So this is not the end.

On the contrary – we live in the 21st century – when those who were weak have now become strong.

The abusers, those who have failed to prevent that abuse, those who have concealed that abuse, those who have contributed to the barbarism and criminality of the suppression of the truth – are going to be beaten.

Victims, Senator Stuart Syvret, Lenny Harper, Graham Power, Simon Bellwood, John Hemming and all of those I have come to know and deeply respect and admire in the past two years, know you have continued support and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight for justice!

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Jersey 7/4/09 Protest March For Justice Photos

Haut de la Garenne Abuse Victims Abused Again By Jersey Attorney General

Saddened, but not at all surprised, two of the cases in the historic abuse scandal have been dropped by William Bailhache, stating he had not found sufficient grounds to prosecute either case.

Nine victims gave evidence about the Haut de la Garenne case but Bailhache questioned the credibility of some of it.

He also said the complaints did not support each other enough.

Charges against the Jane and Alan McGuire, who were house parents at a St. Clements home were dropped by the island's Attorney General in 1998 and Bailhache said he had not found sufficient evidence for overturning his predecessor's decision.

This is just wrong on so many levels.

The press had Bailhache’s statement during the afternoon, but it was embargoed until midnight.

Senator Syvret was informed of the cases being dropped and began calling the victims to see how they were and offering his support.

The survivors didn’t know.

They – the most important people involved in this situation - hadn’t been told of the decision.

Jersey oligarchy media had been informed of the story, and are waiting for this afternoon’s embargoed press release – before the survivors were informed that the two maniacs and thugs who abused them will not face justice.

This is abuse – all over again.

The survivors – having been informed by me, contacted the police – who reluctantly admitted that, yes, the McGuires would not face justice, and that their plan had been to call the survivors and inform them this evening.

Yet the cops – under the “New Management” of David Warcup & co – were far more interested in how the survivors found out about the spin-doctoring of the decision.

I am so thoroughly disgusted with the government of Jersey and being a Christian, cannot write what I am thinking their punishment should be.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims, Senator Syvret, Lenny Harper and all the others who tried for justice and closure in this horrific, disgraceful story.

Statement by the Attorney General (Probably not a good idea to read if you have high blood pressure.)
BBC
Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Jersey Establishment Went Too Far? British Support For Senator Stuart Syvret

An ‘Early Day Motion’ has been tabled in the British House of Commons defending Stuart Syvret and condemning the Jersey government and the recent illegal arrest and detention of Syvret.

Early Day Motions (EMDs) usually aren’t up for debate. EMDs are a vehicle for MPs to express concerns about specific issues. Normally, an MP won’t put their name to an EDM unless they truly understand the significance of the subject and are in agreement with it. MPs from any party are able to add their name in support of an EMD.

The initial supporters are Peter Bottomley - Conservative, Austin Mitchell - Labour, and John Hemming- Lib/Dem - representing each of the main British political parties.

Procedurally, EDMs are limited to 250 words and must be read as a single sentence, so the motions tend to read a bit strange.

Reproduced from Senator Stuart Syvret Blog:

ARREST OF SENATOR STUART SYVRET

“That this House deplores the arrest and detention of Senator Stuart Syvret by the Jersey Police Force for alleged infractions of data protection laws; notes that the Senator was in receipt of information disclosed in the public interest, with which he is attempting to hold the Jersey government to account for a variety of profoundly serious child protection and clinical governance failures; condemns the manner of the Senator's arrest and the subsequent searching of his home by the police without a search warrant; further condemns the fact that substantial quantities of his constituents' private data were taken and copied by the Jersey police; considers this an intimidatory and anti-democratic action which the Senator is virtually powerless to challenge given the politicization of the Jersey judiciary and the propensity of the Jersey legislature to oppress minority members; and calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to fulfill his duties by exercising his constitutional powers to intervene and ensure good governance and the proper administration of justice in Jersey through requiring a separation of powers and the imposition of effective checks and balances in order that survivors of child abuse, and other victims of malfeasance gain the proper protection of justice; and considers that through such actions the UK will return to compliance with its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, obligations which are breached by tolerating the situation in Jersey.”

John Hemming
Peter Bottomley
Austin Mitchell

I applaud the tabling of the EDM.

The British are recognizing the egregious actions against Stuart and the unlawful actions of the Jersey government.

OK, Jack Straw, the ball is back in your court. Will you have the fortitude and backbone to address the justice system - or lack there of - in Jersey?

We’re watching!

Haut de la Garenne - Michael Aubin Pleads Guilty!!!

Michael Aubin admitted to two counts of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault on children under ten years old.

Aubin, who appeared before the Royal Court, carried out the sexual abuse on boys while he was a resident at the home in the 1970s.

Aubin is the first person to be brought to court after a police investigation into historic child abuse on the island.

He previously pleaded not guilty to three additional counts of indecent assault. Those counts will be dealt with after Aubin is sentenced on June 22.

Two other people have been charged in connection with the Haut de la Garenne abuse scandal and police have amassed a list of 40 additional suspects.

Finally some justice in Jersey! Personally I am stunned, but extremely pleased with this victory!

This is a great day for the abuse victims, Senator Syvret, Lenny Harper, Graham Power and Simon Bellwood. Well done, you all have been vindicated!

Telegraph
Daily Echo
The Sun
ITN

Haut de la Garenne Suspect To Be Charged With Eight Additional Counts

Gordon Wateridge, who was a house parent at Haut de la Garenne during the 1970’s, was to go on trial today for eleven counts of indecent assault.

Now he faces an additional eight charges after a sixth victim has come forward!

Wateridge, who remains free on bail, denies all the charges and his trial was adjourned to August so the new charges can be included.

Hmmmmm, wonder how long Bailhache has been sitting on this information. Isn’t it odd this suddenly came to light on the heels of the Senator Perchard disaster, the arrest of Senator Stuart Syvret, the positively ignorant declaration by Senator Ben Shenton that he was refusing to attend the emergency meeting of the assembly next Tuesday and the damning comments made Lenny Harper on Saturday?

Seems like a ploy by the government to deflect the public’s ourage and anger, no?

Guardian

Worthing Herald

Lenny Harper on Jersey Corruption And Why Abuse Victims Cannot Get Justice

~Lenny Harper




In his most candid interview to date, retired police chief superintendent, Lenny Harper – a 35-year veteran police officer - discusses Haut de la Garenne and the corruption he encountered well before the child abuse investigation.

Harper was recruited in 2002, to Jersey by then head of States of Jersey Police, Graham Power.

'Within weeks I realized that local politicians expected a degree of control over day-to-day operations that no UK police force would tolerate.'

Jersey operates with a system of Honorary Police. These are elected citizens - farmers, truck drivers, businessmen, etc - from the island’s 12 parishes that have the ability to countermand the Jersey Police. Incredibly, the head honorary constable is automatically seated in the States Assembly.

The ‘paid’ police force have to consult with these lay people and advise them of any and all evidence in a case – get this one – because only the Honorary Police can charge suspects!

Government and police make for strange bedfellows!

'Several times early in my posting I had to protest to the Attorney General's legal advisers about a refusal to charge in cases where the evidence was overwhelming.'

Harper's authority was challenged when he tried to tackle the massive arsenals of firearms on the island. Approximately 10,000 licensed weapons and numerous, unlicensed weapons – including semi automatic rifles – were held by a population of 90,000 people!

Were they going to war with somebody?

Harper's attempts to take action were repeatedly blocked by politicians.

'Strenuous attempts were made to intimidate us into not taking action with allegations that we were Brits who did not understand the Jersey way of life.'

Harper quickly discovered that many of the firearms licenses were issued to applicants with known criminal convictions.

Having received a tip, Harper raided the home of civilian police officer to discover a huge number of firearms lying unsecured in a bedroom. The cache included an RPG7 rocket launcher as well as weapons that had been handed into the police previously for destruction. There were 7.62mm rifles, machine guns, Magnum revolvers, and a large quantity of ammunition. Also confiscated was a Sea Cat missile launcher - usually carried on warships!

The employee was eventually convicted on several charges, however he was not sacked and the police force took him back.

Harper began a licensing campaign after discovering hundreds of people never renewed their firearms licenses and began arresting people including police officers, politicians, lawyers, and others. Most were given a slap on the wrist and a small fine.

In one case an application for a firearms license had been issued to a person despite the fact the person was convicted in 1992 of possessing a prohibited weapon and supplying controlled drugs. When police raided his house, they recovered 18 weapons and 183,000 rounds of ammunition. That is enough ammunition to shoot Jersey's entire population. Twice!

Harper also discovered three employees were using police money to buy computers for private use. Pornography was stored on some of them. The Attorney General refused to take legal action and politicians defended the employees.

Additionally, Harper found three detectives were discovered selling intelligence to women linked to drug dealers in return for sex. Despite film and audio evidence, no prosecution was authorized.

'The vast majority of cops on Jersey are honest and we owed it to them to bring to book the guys bringing them into disrepute.' Harper says. 'But the response of the authorities was to suppress everything.'

Harper spent his last year in Jersey on the excavation of Haut de la Garenne. Over one hundred witnesses have come forward with horrific tales of abuse and children just disappearing.

When Harper retired last August, a new team of detectives took over the investigation and quickly denounced Harper as an over-excitable and inexperienced officer and questioned Harper’s concerns, skills, and findings. They also claimed the 65 children's teeth found the home's cellars were left for the tooth fairy! Police now say there were no murders.

Three men - two of them former care workers - charged with abuse have yet been tried, over a year later! Jersey authorities have portrayed the alleged victims as compensation-hungry criminals.

'I'm used to flak,' Harper says. 'I don't care what a few establishment cover-up merchants and their pet poodles say about me. But I do care about the victims on Jersey. I'll keep speaking up for their sake.'

'We worked very hard to win the victims' confidence. I think now they will feel that there is nothing that they can do.’

The Haut de la Garenne investigation has ground to a halt. In it’s wake, a smear campaign began alleging that Harper himself was corrupt.

'Jersey is claiming that I left with loads of documents, unused material that could be needed in court. I think they're saying that so that cases can be thrown out. I have offered to go to any court in the UK and answer questions about alleged unused material.'

Head of States of Jersey Police, Graham Power, has subsequently been illegally suspended and accused of botching and illegal spending on the Haut de la Garenne investigation.

Two weeks ago, Senator Stuart Syvret, Jersey's former health minister who first raised the issue of abuse, was illegally detained and his home searched without a warrant under data protection laws. He was accused of leaking material to the media.

Syvret has been very vocal in exposing much of the government corruption for over a year, going so far as to appear at London’s High Court with British MP John Hemming to ensure that trials for the alleged child abusers be heard in Britain – a measure that Harper fully supported.

Harper ended his affidavit to the High Court by saying: 'With such an absence of controls, such an absence of accountability, the ordinary, decent citizens of Jersey are helpless. Intentionally or not, the system has allowed corruption to flourish to such an extent that those seeking to combat it are the ones open to scorn.'

'How come all these bent cops were able to complain about us, and their complaints were investigated at huge cost, but our investigations were closed down? I've often wondered what it was that we were really threatening.'

I think Denmark is ok, but something is certainly rotten in the States of Jersey!

Dailymail.com

No Confidence Vote For Jersey Health Minister And A Resignation

Recently in a meeting of the States, many in the assembly heard Health Minister Perchard swear at Senator Stuart Syvret and told him to “top himself.” This is not the first time the Minister has suggested Stuart commit suicide – he has done so on two other occasions.

Perchard has been strongly criticized by States members since he apologized for using "inappropriate language" during a States meeting.

The uproar caused by Perchard’s outburst was followed by Perchard offering a half-baked, insincere apology on television.

Deputy Roy le Herisser called for a vote of no confidence in the Health Minister saying he was disappointed Perchard hadn't done more to show he regretted his actions.

A week later, from channelonline:

Jersey's Health Minister Senator Jim Perchard has resigned.

The call for his resignation was made after the minister told Senator Stuart Syvret to "go and top himself."

Senator Perchard has apologized to the 22-strong senior management team at Health and Social Services who he says he failed to protect against "despicable and relentless onslaught of allegations made against them of murder, unlawful killing, child abuse, corruption, bullying and cover-up."

He also apologized to patients who he says will now not benefit from "my exciting plans."

The resignation was sent to Sir Philip Bailhache.

Notice the bolded part of his resignation – it is a veiled reference to Stuart Syvret’s work and how this is all Stuart’s fault - but also points to the complete lack of control by Perchard. His swearing at and telling a colleague to commit suicide reflect his lack of professionalism.

I say good riddance Jimmy – don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

channelonline.tv

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Senator Stuart Syvret Arrested!

Updated!

He’s thought for months that something like this would happen and it finally has. The good Senator was arrested this morning for alleged breaches of data protection law – something the brothers Bailhache, Frank Walker and others do routinely!

MP John Hemming has written to British Justice Secretary Jack Straw - the same Jack Straw who has so far refused to intervene in the Jersey government and it’s handling of the Haut de la Garenne investigation – asking him to monitor the situation because he feels it may be motivated by political reasons.

Syvret has been a thorn in the side of the Jersey establishment and has been a very vocal critic of the government.

He was dismissed as Minister for Health and Social Services in 2007 after claiming child abuse cases were being covered up.

First, Lenny Harper, then Graham Power and now Stuart.

The Press Association

Update!

Stuart has been released after being held for seven hours in a cell!

As he stepped out of his home this morning, he was met by 4 unmarked police cars and at least 8 police officers who proceeded to toss his residence.

Justice for Jersey – High Court Mistrial?

On March 17, British MP John Hemming and Jersey Senator Stuart Syvret appeared in the High Court to present testimony and evidence of the ineffectiveness of the Jersey legal system.

The application was made to force Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, to intervene with issues stemming from child abuse at Haut de la Garenne, the illegal sacking of Graham Power, the harassment and besmirching of Lenny Harper and the basically inept ability of the good-old-boy network, run by Phil and Bill Bailhache, to provide justice in Jersey.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the two judge panel – Lord Richards and Justice Tugendhat – should never been allowed to preside over the hearing. Both judges should have recused themselves or been immediately disqualified.

Lord Richards has a history of accusations against him for sexual perversion. He was tried for exposing himself to a woman. This alone should have disqualified him because he can’t be seen as impartial based on that experience. He should never be allowed to hear cases related to sexual deviancy.

Justice Tugendhat, it seems, served as an appeal court judge in Jersey – knows the whole good-old-boy network AND was appointed to that office by none other - Phil Bailhache! So, Tugendhat can be impartial? I think not.

And, why do you suppose that Tugendhat didn’t reveal this little tidbit until the opening of the hearing? This hearing has been looming for some months!

Now the real circus begins.

The hearing was scheduled as the final business of the day for the court. Two hours were blocked for the presentation of evidence. One has to wonder why then, Senator Syvret was actually limited to one hour.

Lord Richards, repeatedly and excessively interrupted and questioned me, as I attempted to make the Applicant's case. This had the effect of disrupting the flow of my presentation; answering his constant interruptions caused me to have to repeat a number of points, which I had already covered - and introduced digressions down paths, which were of less significance for the Applicant. This further had the effect of causing much of the Applicant's case to be left unstated.

The judges rejected the Application on a single, narrow, ground; that we should attempt a Judicial Review of the Jersey judiciary - before that self-same judiciary.

Now, how the hell would that work? The whole purpose of the hearing was due to the fact the Jersey judiciary can’t be trusted.

No opinion was rendered on the facts and evidence presented and the judges didn’t comment on the duties of Jack Straw.

So, not a total defeat - just a new skirmish to plan.

John and I are already working-up a substantive Judicial Review case to bring before the court in Jersey - which will be fascinating in itself - as they'll have to produce a court competent to hear the matter.

And - we are going to bring a much broader range of complaints to the attention of Jack Straw - some deeply alarming material. And when he fails again to act on that - then we bring a fresh Judicial Review application against Straw - on all the broader issues.

As Stuart oft says, “you can’t make this stuff up!”

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Dishing Up The Goods On Jersey or, Time To Take The Trash Out

As we all know, some members of the States of Jersey and the police force are doing their damnedest to destroy the reputations of Lenny Harper and Graham Power, as well as making a mockery out of the investigation into child abuse. In order to do so, they set about ‘investigating’ the investigation utilizing several UK police forces.

The irrepressible Senator Syvret recently asked the Home Affairs Minister just how much this ‘investigating’ the investigation was costing the decent folks in Jersey. Well, to trash Lenny, Graham and the child abuse investigation, a whopping £310,000!

All of this thrashing and trashing has a much more serious consequence. Warcup and Gradwell during the infamous presser in November - tearing the investigation to shreds - have basically handed defense attorneys for those who could and should be brought to trial, an out. “The case is moot. Your top cops have said so.”

Do not forget, Warcup admitted to the press he had "ripped up evidence" from the investigation! In my opinion that smacks of being illegal, yet he still has a job!

And, what about Graham Power?

Remember, the same day of Warcup and Gradwell’s presser, Bill Ogley and Andrew Lewis set-about getting rid of Power. Power was summarily told he had an hour to decided whether to retire or be suspended immediately. Graham didn’t need an hour to think about it – his immediate answer was no and stated he would contest the actions against him.

In the assembly, Simon Crowcroft proposed the States review the suspension and disciplinary procedures used against Mr. Power. Specifically to determine whether they were correctly and lawfully undertaken. This came about after Graham issued a 12/1/08 statement to all States members. The document lays out how his suspension was illegal and an abuse of power.

The full document can be read on Senator Syvret’s blog. It’s a doozy and well worth the read!

So, the States took up this discussion yesterday and here are a few jaw-droppers!

During the Power, Ogley, Lewis meeting, Ogley took volumes of written notes. Those notes are deemed to have been heavily sanitized before being distributed as ‘minutes’ of the meeting. Power requested copies of all notes taken by Ogley as evidence of what occurred during that meeting.

Ogley destroyed them! Yup, illegally destroyed the minutes - illegally destroyed evidence! The current Home Affairs Minister even admitted he was ‘horrified’ when he learned Ogley destroyed evidence.

Well, the long-and-short of the Assembly debate to review Power’s suspension was apparently too much for the States – the proposition was thrown out!

Seems to me, Power was not the appropriate person to have been suspended – a couple of other names come to my mind!

Haut de la Garenne - Not the Only Crime in Jersey

What is wrong with people in Jersey? No, I’m not talking about the majority of decent folks. I’m talking the Bailhaches’, Warcups’, et al.

In what appears to be another half-cocked, last ditch effort to intimidate the formidable Lenny Harper, the Jersey Attorney General, wee Billy Bailhache and crew, have – from my point of view – lied, libeled and slandered Lenny.

Additionally, they have issued an order for Lenny to appear in court to answer questions about evidence he is being accused of holding back. The absurdity of the order is, it is unenforceable in the United Kingdom – see, Lenny retired to Scotland.

Just who the hell does Bailhache think he is? Is the Attorney General really that ignorant of the law and arrogant enough to think his orders carry weight in the entire United Kingdom?

The good Senator Stuart Syvret, who provides the only truthful source of news in Jersey, informs us Lenny has come out swinging.

From Senator Stuart Syvret blog:

Letter from Lenny Harper

To Jersey Attorney General, William Bailhache;

12th January, 2009

Dear Attorney General,

I write in reply to your letter of 8th January 2009 which I received at 5.05pm today. I am somewhat disturbed at some of the things you say in this letter as you have obviously been misled by someone in the States of Jersey Police.

Officers of Strathclyde Police did indeed call at my address when I was out, and I did call them as I was on my way to Northern Ireland. Furthermore I spoke to the Crown Office in Edinburgh on Friday 9th January 2009 and for the first time was told that I was being requested to attend court to produce “day books”, which I had already told David Warcup several times, do not exist. (Furthermore, as you will see below, he has other corroboration that they do not exist.) This was the first indication that I had of any evidence I was expected to give. As I told the PF, it is not good enough that someone should be treated in this fashion. I was never asked for a statement, never told I may be called to give evidence, and was clearly expected to interrupt any plans in Northern Ireland or elsewhere at short notice. As it happens, I have changed plans I made, but for family reasons.

Dealing with the points in your letter, Detective Inspector Fossey is obviously confused with the book I have already described to David Warcup. I kept a scribble book which contained nothing relevant, nor indeed, evidential to the Operation Rectangle. I have described what it did contain in my letter to Mr Warcup – a lot of medical detail in respect of my wife who was ill at the time, and many other matters relating to pre-retirement issues such as removals, pension, and other matters connected to day to issues of my life in Jersey. I would also remind you that for most of my time as SIO on this enquiry, DI Fossey was away from Jersey on a Command Course. Mr Warcup is also aware that we were being briefed on security matters by operational security officers at New Scotland Yard, and their advice, minuted and now in the possession of the States of Jersey Police, was that we should not use day books. I duly complied with this.

I am afraid I do not know who DC Kitchen is, nor indeed if he even signed my retirement card. I certainly do not remember any such comment as you describe on any of my cards, although it may be it did not register with me as anything other than a joke. In any event, I did not have a safe, as Mr Warcup will no doubt confirm. The only safe was Mr Powers. I certainly do not remember any such briefing as you suggest, and it would not have been necessary anyway, as I have been involved in so many murder enquiries, that I am very aware of the responsibilities of officers.

I have only ever received one letter from the good Mr Warcup and that was dated the 5th September. It seems strange that he e mailed me a copy of that one, but somehow did not e mail me a copy of the letter which he alleges he sent later and which I never received. Rather a co-incidence I think. It might prove useful for him to provide you with the computer record of the typing of that letter so that he can confirm it was indeed typed on the date you quote. Again, coincidentally, he has never challenged (nor indeed even replied to) my assertion to him that he never sent any such letter.

I am not surprised to see you state that there is a danger the prosecutions may be discharged if I do not produce these documents. Someone in all of this, and maybe even more than one person, is as aware as I am that these documents do not exist and will therefore be impossible to produce. It does not take a highly suspicious mind to conclude that it is all a ploy to get rid of the prosecutions and blame the “failure” to produce non- existent documents.

I am sure you are aware that I can only attend the court in Jersey voluntarily. The order is not enforceable in the United Kingdom. You are right in stating that I hold highly the interests of the victims. However, in these matters you quote, I have no evidence whatsoever to give. I have never been asked for a statement and have never been given an indication that I should be required to give evidence. Instead, I have been made aware by journalists and others of false briefings being given to the media by certain senior staff in the SOJP. They and others have leaked e mails which have appeared in the media in forms which bear little resemblance to their true content. Yet, when I have made Freedom of Information requests for these e mails in order that the truth should be revealed, those requests have been refused. Furthermore, they have spent many thousands of pounds trying to get Sussex Police to implicate me in Official Secrets Act and Data Protection offences on no evidence – indeed, evidence is in the public domain that the document concerned was served on the High Court in London before the media published it. Six journalists and two others have informed me that Sussex Police have approached them and tried to get them to implicate me. Yet, once again, when I provide evidence that certain police officers and politicians in Jersey have leaked e mails, the SOJ Police refuse to even investigate. Add this to the many people telling me that certain of them are falsely briefing the media against me, and it is not hard to see why I would need to be stupid to expose myself to these people. One only has to see how they have treated Graham Power and others who made the mistake of supporting the enquiry. However, I have already given an undertaking to the Crown Office in Edinburgh that I will attend any United Kingdom court and answer any questions there in respect of what I have said.

May I now deal with the Court Order? Steve Baker has obviously been given false information which he has inadvertently given to the court. I will deal with the matters as they appear in the Order.

As I have already stated, there are no day books in relation to Operation Rectangle. I did not know until today what Operation Cannon was and so it follows that I have none for that either.

I only ever had one note book whilst in the SOJP as I used it for evidence of arrests and searches and my involvement in those was minimal. I think the last entry in it referred to Norman Wood and there is no mention of the enquiry whatsoever in the book. I also believe that I left it with the SOJP. However, I am not 100% sure and will undertake to search my packing boxes to see if it is there and will send it if it is. In any event, the SOJP records will confirm the non issue of any further notebooks to me.

All policies and decisions were recorded, as recommended by NSY, in the policy books, e mails, and reports which are ALL in possession of the SOJP. I have no documents whatsoever which the SOJP do not have. This also applies to paras. C and d as outlined in the order.

There it stands. I have no unused material of any sort, whether day books or anything else. I have informed David Warcup of this several times. If I had any evidence to give which was of importance to the victims I would do so. This attempt to persuade people that I have unused material is simply a ploy to then say my refusal to co-operate must result in the cases being discharged. Then, conveniently, I will get the blame. I have no evidence of course, as to whom it is that is orchestrating this. However, it fits in with the desperate attempts to implicate myself in the leaking of documents whilst at the same time acquiescing by consent and indifference to rather stronger allegations against others of the same thing. As I have stated earlier I am happy to answer any questions in a United Kingdom court but I am sorry to say that the lies, false briefings, and vindictiveness shown by certain elements in Jersey make me unable to comply with your request to attend and tell the court in person that these documents do not exist.

Yours sincerely,

Leonard Harper

So, is it not apparent to you that Bailhache and his cronies are doing their utmost to derail the prosecutions in the child abuse scandal and set Lenny up as the fall guy?

Florida’s Own Haut de la Garenne?

Florida law enforcement has begun an investigation into who lies beneath the 32 white crosses at a cemetery near the grounds of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.

The crosses bear no names or dates and the Department of Juvenile Justice has no records that explain who's buried in the cemetery near the 108-year-old reform school.

Governor Charlie Crist has ordered the investigation to find out what is in the graves, identify any remains, and determine whether any crimes occurred.

Young boys who committed crimes were sent to the school and were routinely beaten and abused in the 1950s and '60s at the school.

A group of men who call themselves, The White House Boys, were abused at the school in a building called the “White House”. They called for State and Federal authorities to investigate the graves. The men believe the graves contain the bodies of boys killed at the reform school.

One of those men, Dick Conlon, remembers walking into the school laundry and seeing a young boy tumbling inside a dryer. Afraid for his own safety, Conlon walked away. He says he feels guilty for not helping the boy and recalls that particular boy was never seen again.

The “White House” contained two rooms – one for white inmates and one for blacks – where guards would repeatedly strike children with a long leather-and-metal strap so severely that underwear became imbedded in skin. The vicious beatings occurred for the slightest infractions.

In a rather unusual move, the Department of Juvenile Justice acknowledged the abuse at the school by placing a plaque at the “White House” building.

A former resident of the school, Michael O'McCarthy, said, "Rarely do state or federal governments like to admit that they have committed this type of egregious, destructive kinds of crimes, especially to children."

Governor Crist said, "Justice always cries out for a conclusion and this is no different. If there's an opportunity to find out exactly what happened there, to be able to verify if there were these kinds of horrible atrocities ... we have a duty to do so."

Bryant Middleton, a former inmate was told by a CNN producer that the governor ordered the probe.

"My god! That's remarkable. My god! That's all I ever wanted," he said. "That will begin a lot of the healing for those that survived that school."

"Some of us will never get over the brutality, the sexual assaults and the fear. But this is a major step in the right direction," he said.

Perhaps the States of Jersey can take a lesson from Governor Crist – stop ignoring the likes of Senator Syvret, Lenny Harper, Simon Bellwood and most importantly, the victims of the Jersey abuse scandal!

CNN

Fox News

Special thanks to T&T reader, JG for the tip!

Jersey Abuse Scandal – Why Aren’t We Moving Forward

I believe part of the reason is the absence of Lenny Harper. Another part is Jersey just had elections and best to keep a lid on the scandal during elections!

That’s not to say nothing is going on. The irrepressible Stuart Syvret is still hard at work and some stunning turn of events occurred this week. It just may be that the house-of-cards that is the States of Jersey, is falling.

Let’s rewind the tape.

Much to everyone’s surprise, on Tuesday, Home Affairs Minister Wendy Kinnard resigned from office over an ‘issue of moral conscience and principle’.

Kinnard and Syvert were at one time friends, as well as colleagues. However, when Council of Ministers decided to get rid of Syvret as Health & Social Services Minister, Kinnard jumped on the bandwagon without so much of a word of warning to Syvret. Later, citing that she was “conflicted” and therefore didn’t take part in the dismissal debate.

On Wednesday – a bigger bombshell dropped! Bailiff Phil Bailhache announced he is resigning and will leave office in June. Bailiff is the highest-ranking office in Jersey – it oversees the government and judiciary – many decry this as a conflict.

Remember, the Bailiff, his brother, the Attorney General Bill Bailhache, Deputy Bailiff Michel Birt and the Solicitor General are all appointed by the Crown. As long as the Queen had no reason to fire the Bailiff, Bailhache could have remained in office for many more years.

Now, don’t forget that British MP, John Hemming, and Syvret went to court in London to force Jack Straw to intervene in the child abuse investigation, chargings, and prosecutions.

Straw, as Justice Secretary in London, has the responsibility for the good administration of justice in Jersey. His office gives him the ability to intercede in the Jersey child abuse scandal. Of course, we’ve heard nothing from Straw yet!

So, just why did the Bailiff suddenly resign?

According to Senator Syvret: I can tell you what has taken place.

Because of the appalling significance of the issues – and the legal action against Jack Straw – the inevitable has occurred.

It has been made know to the relevant people that Jersey’s Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, ‘no longer enjoys the confidence of London’.

Which is a terribly polite and British way of saying – “your finished”.

“We would all like a dignified and low-key exit for you – so we’re quiet content for you to name the date of your “retirement” – and we won’t say anything to contradict that appearance – but you must go.”

“And if you don’t go – well, that would all be really rather messy, wouldn’t it? Best avoided all-round, eh, old chap?”

That is why Phil Bailhache is going.

Also, when Bailhache co-opted the Liberation Day speech, he blatantly attacked the UK media, the Police investigation, and said that ‘the real scandal’ was the bad publicity.

Bailhache has ultimately become an embarrassment to the Crown.

Ok, there were a few additional names mentioned here – more on them tomorrow as well as some shocking information on additional players in the scandal and cover-up. Also, you’ll hear about the Senator’s bold move in the States assembly.

“Jersey Abuse Victims Interests Have Been Sacrificed”

~Lenny Harper

In an incredibly jaw-dropping BBC interview, Lenny Harper discusses the obstruction of the child abuse chargings and prosecutions. He states that interests of the victims had been sacrificed.

Senator Syvret has published the BBC transcript of the interview:

Harper: I personally believe that there is a marked reluctance to wholeheartedly get behind the enquiry and to prosecute rigorously and vigorously the suspects to the extent where the victims are given their day in court. I think that the public face of some of the politicians who have called the victims "people with criminal records" and "disturbed people" underlines a more fundamental attitude that these people should not have been allowed to make complaints against people who are involved in the establishment. Yes I do believe that, I think that's the case.

Obstruction by prosecutors is apparently endemic on the island. Prior to the abuse investigation, Harper started cleaning house by dealing with some corrupt police officers and other employees that were working for the organization. Harper goes on record regarding the obstruction he faced in that investigation.

More from the BBC transcript of the interview:

Lenny Harper: It really came to a head when we started dealing with a small number of corrupt Police officers, and other employees that were working within the organization. We were investigating them internally and I had young officers doing superb jobs investigating wrongdoing - and again, I emphasize it was only a small number of bad cops and employees. But we began to have some success in dealing with these people, and we started submitting files. We had a couple of detectives who we caught passing over sensitive intelligence files on criminals in return for sex with informants, and even admissions from them, and prosecutions were not being mounted.

What I found particularly distasteful was the involvement of some of the local politicians, who sided with corrupt Police officers and their associates, even to the extent of interfering in the charging process.

I think it's fairly well documented that we were due to charge this businessman, and we were due to charge him with an offence which he admitted under oath in court, in which he admitted inciting a Police Officer to carry out illegal checks on computer systems. We eventually got the authority from the legal advisors to charge him with the offence of inciting this Police Officer to commit the illegal computer transactions. We were due to charge him at six o'clock one evening. At five thirty, two local politicians who were friends of his went to see the Attorney General. As a result of that we received a phone call from the Attorney General instructing us not to charge.

BBC: Do you know that it was a result of that, or is that just your belief?

Lenny Harper: Yes I've had conversations with the Attorney General about it. The consequence was that we received instruction not to charge. These two politicians had been involved throughout this series of enquiries and in fact were two of the politicians who criticized us for wasting public money.

BBC: Are they still in government? Are they still active politicians?

Lenny Harper: They're still active politicians, yes.

Well, so much for the 'Jersey' way!

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Harper on Jersey abuse inquiry video

Full BBC radio interview

Jersey Abuse Scandal - Harper, Walker and the Guernsey Press

Notice how since Lenny Harper departed Jersey, there is no news about the investigation or the status of the suspects in the scandal?

Retired, lead investigator in the Jersey abuse scandal, Lenny Harper, and Jersey’s chief minister, Frank Walker have been sparring in the paper of another Channel Island!

Interestingly, the JEP occasionally prints its usual drivel – which they don’t allow readers to comment on. The Guernsey Press has stepped up to the plate and is doing an admirable job in providing information that the spineless JEP isn’t willing to tell the residents of Jersey.

No doubt, the Island of Guernsey does not want to be lumped in with the shady doings of the government of Jersey. They have almost identical systems of governing, yet Guernsey it appears, is far more open and honest with its citizens.

On September 1, The Guernsey Press (GP) ran an Op-Ed piece, “Protecting the Integrity of Justice”: A number of readers have contacted this newspaper following last week’s Comment item suggesting that Jersey should announce an independent inquiry into what has now become a most unsatisfactory investigation into allegations of child abuse at Haut de la Garenne.

They wanted to make substantially the same point: how could things have gone so badly wrong?

If Jersey’s system - a virtual mirror image of our own - can falter over something so serious and so important to the victims, what does it say about the integrity of justice here?

The first point to make is that there is no evidence locally to suggest that police inquiries are hampered by the prosecution service, although HM Procureur has - and will no doubt continue to do so - declined to prosecute on the grounds of insufficient evidence or where it is deemed not to be in the public interest.

The second is that the island’s police force is independent and chief officers have over the years robustly asserted that independence.

That began a flurry of accusations and responses.

Walker: I must correct a number of the assertions in your inaccurate and ill-informed editorial comment on Jersey’s historic child abuse enquiry.

As Guernsey’s only newspaper, you have a responsibility to ensure your readers are accurately informed on major issues. In this instance at least you have sadly let them down.

In the first instance you said: ‘Before any harm is done to both islands, Jersey’s chief minister should urgently announce an independent enquiry into the abuse investigation – or risk having it forced upon him.’

Had you undertaken even a modicum of research, you would have known that I announced to the States of Jersey on 31 March – more than five months ago – a full independent enquiry into all aspects of the child abuse investigation to be chaired by an eminent UK lawyer.

GP: We are happy to run the comments from Jersey’s chief minister and regret that the sense and urgency of the inquiry we were calling for – in the light of Justice for Families’ legal moves to force UK intervention in the abuse investigation – was not sufficiently clear.

The concerns about the impartiality and progress of the Haut de la Garenne inquiry need addressing now – not at the end of the process, whenever that may be.
The inquiry announced by the chief minister will be at some unspecified time in the future, possibly not until 2010, and the States of Jersey does not know what its terms of reference will be.

Walker: From the beginning of this investigation, everyone involved had had three priorities.

The first is to ensure the most thorough police investigation possible and that the police have all the resources they need both from within the Island and from further afield.

The second is to ensure that the judicial process is robust and impartial, and that all guilty parties are brought to justice.

The third is to do all in our power to protect and to support all identified victims. Those priorities have not, and will not change.

I feel saddened to have to make this response but your ill-informed and misleading comment has given me no alternative.

Harper: Firstly, I would challenge his view on the priorities of all those involved.

Although the two Home Affairs ministers in Jersey were unstinting in their support for the enquiry, the minister and his assistant who had responsibility for child welfare spent all of their time sniping at the enquiry from the sidelines and engaging in petty insults to officers involved by sending childish emails to States colleagues.

According to the journalist, David Rose, one of them leaked an official States email to him and one of them or the small band of politicians sympathetic to them, called the victims ‘people with criminal records and disturbed minds’.

This is also in an environment where, in the presence of the Home Affairs minister, a senior politician tried to instruct me to remove the word, ‘victims’, from a press release as ‘nothing has been proved yet’.

The chief minister made whatever resources were needed available and stated so publicly early on. A number of politicians approached me privately and expressed support and thanks but for whatever reason did not feel they could do so publicly.

A small number could not disguise their hatred of what was being uncovered and did all they could to discredit us, even joining forces with a number of corrupt ex-cops and their associates.

Walker: Prosecution lawyers, including experts in such cases from the UK, are continuing to examine the evidence and arrange a charge in those cases where there is, on assessment of all of the available evidence, a realistic prospect of conviction.

It is not unusual for lawyers to join police investigating teams. On the contrary, it has been done frequently in Jersey in the past and is accepted practice throughout the UK in major investigations.

Harper: Lawyers and police work together as investigators in serious fraud cases in both jurisdictions, such as the Serious Fraud Office. Police investigators work closely with CPS lawyers in the UK, but the lawyers are not investigators and only have a role in police stations in charge rooms.

However, that is not what was being asked by the Attorney General in Jersey. What he wanted was a blurring of the role between investigator and prosecutor. He wanted a lawyer sitting in the incident room where raw data in the form of intelligence and information was coming in.

This was nowhere near the stage where a file was being drawn up for submission for possible prosecution. This was a live police investigation where sensitive intelligence was being provided by victims highly suspicious of the legal establishment in Jersey.

Some of the intelligence provided contained allegations against members of the legal establishment. To have allowed one of the AG’s lawyers in the incident room would have totally destroyed the hard-earned confidence that the police had gained from the victims. If you are in any doubt about this ask some of the victims or their representatives.

Furthermore, as much of the material did not relate to pending prosecutions, it is debatable whether or not the AG and his staff had a right to even see it.

If the chief minister thinks that state of affairs shows a relationship based on trust and mutual aims to help victims, then he is looking at it from a different perspective from me and, I suspect, many others.

GP: Perhaps more revealing, when the rift between police and prosecution became evident in an earlier memo leaked to The Times, Jersey Police responded by releasing a statement that said:

‘The States of Jersey Police would emphasise that they have total confidence in the professionalism, independence and integrity of the current police investigation.’

What provoked the subsequent memo that we highlighted was the blocking of a prosecution that officers considered an open-and-shut case against a couple who had allegedly disciplined children with a baseball bat.

In Jersey, charges have to be brought by the honorary police, who come under the umbrella of the Attorney General. According to the memo, the centenier involved took the file of evidence to consider. As the memo states: ‘He did so for well over an hour and then declared that, although there was [our emphasis] enough evidence to charge, he was not going to.’

Walker: I would remind you that speculation or unwise comment by anyone could jeopardise the judicial process, seriously let down the alleged victims or prejudice the fair trial of those against whom complaint has been made.

The truth will eventually emerge and it will be very different from the picture you have sought to present to your readers.

I believe you owe the States and the people of Jersey an apology.

GP: If, as Jersey’s chief minister suggests, an apology is required, perhaps it should, to paraphrase Mr. Harper, be extended to the 160 individuals who came forward to assist the historic abuse investigation, many of whom are now wondering why they bothered to relive the horror and trauma in their past.

Kudos to Lenny and The Guernsey Press!

Frank Walker just needs to shut-up.

Frank Walker's response to the editorial.

Lenny Harper's rebuttal of Frank Walker's response.

The GP's editor's response to Frank Walker's criticism.

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Jersey Abuse Scandal Just Keeps Getting More Scandalous

The Sharp Report!

I have long wanted to read this independent report that was authorized after the conviction of a child abuser who was a teacher at Victoria College. The Jersey school routinely ignored child abuse claims for years.

Jersey authorities said the report would be published despite the possible airing of dirty laundry!

I’m sure the authorities had a collective heart attack once the report was completed! The man they hired, Stephen Sharp, did an extremely thorough review of documents, police files and conducted numerous interviews. The Sharp Report is extremely candid and damning.

Authorities did an about-face and deemed the report not suitable for the public. They suddenly claimed they couldn’t release it because it identified victims – no, it does not! This wasn’t a little fib they told; it was a bold-faced lie!

The real reason for burying the report is the names that are mentioned – many former and current members of the government!

Many thanks to Stuart Syvret and Justice4Survivors for providing access to the report!

Billy - the clown - Baillhache

You all have probably figured out by now, I despise Attorney General William Bailhache - the clown who laid out the rules for the arrest of suspects in the abuse investigation.

The clown who appointed part-time UK lawyer, Simon Thomas, to whom police have to submit suspect files before they can make an arrest and only then would they be given permission to make said arrest.

The clown who has insured that nobody can be even taken in for questioning unless the he gives his approval.

The clown AG who has control over whether or not a case is even brought against suspects and if it passes muster, he then decides if it goes to trial.

Well, the clown is back to using The Rag to defend himself.

JEP Fri 22 Aug 08

AG: We are not slowing down inquiry
By Diane Simon

In response to recent claims that his department have been sitting for months on files submitted by the police for prosecution in this major inquiry, Attorney General William Bailhache said that of the six files which the police had put forward, three had led to prosecutions.

'Two of the others are still being considered and the other is the subject of further police investigation,' he said.

Mr. Bailhache is also assuring complainants of child abuse that their statements will be taken very seriously. Well, we've already seen that really isn't the case.

In an interview with the JEP, which is being published tomorrow, he said that he had been alarmed by claims that some of them believed Island authorities would prevent the police from carrying out the investigation.

‘I give them my absolute guarantee that their statements will be taken very seriously,’ he said.

Before a prosecution took place the lawyer considering the file must believe that there was enough evidence to lead to a court or jury, when properly directed, being more likely than not to convict, he said.

He said that the extent and skills of the team he had assembled for the job showed the seriousness with which he had taken the investigation.

The prosecution team he has put together includes Crown Advocates Stephen Baker and Robert MacRae.

Both of them are in private practice and have experience of criminal prosecutions when they were barristers in the United Kingdom.

He has also appointed two lawyers from leading criminal chambers in the city of London. ---

If everything is proper and above-board, why does Bailhache have to keep defending himself? Or, does he just really think people are stupid and don't see through his line of bull?

Senator Stuart Syvret Blog

Is Justice In Jersey Scandal Nothing More Than A Cruel Joke?

Jersey's AG William Bailhache has decided there is "insufficient evidence" to bring a prosecution in one of cases related to the abuse investigation.

In June, the Bonners were arrested and questioned regarding claims from three victims of ‘excessive corporal punishment’ between 1967 and 1977. The allegations were of physical, not sexual, abuse.

The evidence was given to prosecutors on July 18 and was examined by a Jersey Crown advocate and a London law firm. They decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute and the file was passed to Bailhache to consider.

Law officers on Jersey said there was "significant conflict of evidence", some alleged victims questioned denying they had been abused and praising the care they received.

According to the BBC: Bailhache said, "The evidential test has not been passed, and it would be simply wrong to bring the prosecution."

The attorney general said: "I realize that this decision will come as a disappointment to the complainants in the case and possibly to others who have made statements to the police or are considering doing so."

He said he was making a statement about the case because of criticism about its handling.

"I am obviously aware that assertions have been made, without any basis or foundation, that justice will not be done in the child abuse investigations that are taking place.

"Indeed, it is for that reason that I am making this full statement as to why a decision not to prosecute has been taken in this case."

He added that he wanted "all those who have any relevant evidence to give in the current child abuse investigation to contact the police and to make statements".

"That is the only way the prosecution will be able to reach a fully informed decision on the evidential test in the various cases that come before us for consideration."

Ok, ya with me so far?

In a complete departure from standard practice, Jersey police, after submitting the evidence to lawyers, were given the go-ahead to arrest the Bonners.

What you read above is Bailhache’s spin on the matter.

Now, here is what Lenny Harper has to say: At 5pm Simon Thomas declared to the investigators that he had revised his view and said he did not want the couple charged. The officers were extremely surprised and not a little frustrated.

He said he had revised his opinion because of new evidence that had emerged during the day. I asked what that evidence was and he gave me three “developments.”

1. Mrs. Bonner was unwell. I explained the situation in respect of her and that the Police Doctor thought she was feigning. I explained that she was obtaining the woman’s medical notes and would further advise at 6.30pm. In the event, the Doctor declared the suspect fit for detention and interview. I questioned however, whether this could be said to be new evidence which affected the decision to charge.

2. Simon then told me that a witness called Drake had rung the Custody Officer and said we had made a mistake, and that we had the wrong people in custody. I pointed out that Drake had made a witness statement which Simon had seen and which he had taken into account when recommending which charges should be preferred. Drake had not added any new evidence to what was in his statement.

3. The Bonners' children had telephoned and said their parents were good people and that they (the children) were now flying to Jersey. I asked Simon how that was new evidence as opposed to character evidence, and he said that they might have evidence relevant to the allegations as they lived in the same house. I pointed out that he knew that previously and also that they lived in a different part of the house.

So, evidence be damned, witnesses be damned, and what the hell – no need for a trial – Bailhache obviously believes he, and he alone, can determine a party’s guilt or innocence! He alone is judge and jury!

But, wait – there’s more! Remember the Maguires? That evidence file has been sitting on someone’s desk since April 29! Wait till you see what is happening with that!

For a real eye-opener, the entire Lenny Harper confidential report to Bailhache can be found on Senator Stuart Syvret Blog.

As livid as I am, I cannot fathom the anger and frustration being felt by the victims. The Jersey police, Stuart Syvret, Lenny Harper and countless others have put blood, sweat and tears into this investigation only to have to deal with the likes of that clown, William Bailhache!

Bailhache has made a laughing stock of himself and any so-called justice that may be found on Jersey.

Oh, and by the way Billy, just so you clearly understand – the assertions that justice will not be done in the child abuse investigations – they are made with solid basis and foundation!

As Senator Syvret so aptly put it, “It’s difficult to know what to make of this madness anymore.”

BBC audio with Lenny Harper and John Hemming MP