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A way forward for dealing with a series of historic convictions of Guernsey policeman during the Occupation is being "finalised", according to the island's new leader.
A campaign of justice for wrongly convicted 'Robin Hood' Guernsey Police officers has been going on for several years.
Following a recent change in the island's leadership following a vote of no confidence, Guernsey's former Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier, has revisited the issue again with the island's new leader, Lyndon Trott.
He asked Deputy Trott, who is President of the island's Policy and Resources (P&R) Committee, which holds responsibility for the matter, when the long-promised proposals will finally materialise.
"Having been unable to bring the Policy Letter to the States as previously indicated in 2021, 2022 or 2023, when will the Policy Letter be brought to the States?" he questioned.
Deputy Trott responded by saying that proposals – which would then go to a vote before the island's States Members – to were now being finalised.
Pictured: Charles Friend – who passed away in 1988 – was one of the police officers affected. You can read his story here.
"The previous Policy & Resources Committee repeatedly said that it intended to bring the relevant Policy Letter to the States, as Deputy St Pier has stated in his question," he said.
"It is important to note that the Committee also repeatedly and consistently said that this work will continue, provided that it can be progressed alongside the Government Work Plan priorities and workstreams. A draft Policy Letter regarding Occupation matters was prepared on behalf of the Policy & Resources Committee. Legal advice was requested in the usual way from the Law Officers of the Crown in the early part of 2023.
"The Law Officers provided their advice, including research using archive records, at the end of last year. The Policy Letter is now being finalised following consideration of that advice. Consultation on the draft Policy Letter is ongoing, with the Committee aiming to publish the Policy Letter during Quarter Two 2024."
FOCUS: When will justice come for Guernsey's 'Robin Hood' policemen?
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