Child sex investigation reopens with 13 people of “public prominence” accused of abuse

Wednesday 03 June 2015

Thirteen 'public figures' in Jersey are being investigated over child abuse allegations made since the death of Jimmy Savile.

They are thought to be from local politics, and the media and business worlds and are part of an investigation codenamed ‘Operation Whistle.'

Six detectives are working full-time on the investigation, which is reviewing a total of 45 suspects – some dead or unidentified so far – and four "institutions."

Operation Whistle was established late last year on the back of a massive UK investigation codenamed ‘Operation Hydrant.'

Police leading the case say that 13 people “of public prominence” have been named as abusers.

Lead investigation Detective Superintendent Stewart Gull – the detective who caught Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright, who is serving life for the murders of five women in 2006 – said that there had been a huge surge in child abuse complaints since the publicity after the death of prolific child abuser Jimmy Savile in 2011.

Det Supt Gull, the head of Crime Services for the States of Jersey Police, said: “It is paramount that we safeguard and protect vulnerable children now, and we face a challenge to balance expertise and resources in providing justice for victims of historic cases.

“The investigation has shown a shift in attitudes and victims who have, in the past, felt unable to speak up, now have the confidence to do so in the knowledge that their claims will be dealt with sensitivity and sincerity.”

The prospect of effectively reopening the historic child abuse inquiry raises questions about the ongoing inquiry into child abuse.

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry – which now has a budget of £20 million, three times the original amount – has heard evidence from victims about the sustained physical and sexual abuse that they were subjected to while in care in Jersey.

Evidence has been heard about the Beast of Jersey at children’s homes, that the head of Haut de la Garenne raped a young girl at the home, and that notorious paedophile Jimmy Savile had been in Jersey.