The late Lord Janner will not be the subject of a 'trial of the facts' over claims he sexually abused children across three decades. The court ruling has been described as 'devastating' for the former MP's alleged victims, who feel they have been denied a voice.
The prospect of putting the late Greville Janner on trial for sexually abusing children across three decades seemed highly unlikely, even ridiculous, from the outset.
And, as widely anticipated, a judge at the Old Bailey today halted all criminal proceedings against Lord Janner, who died, aged 87, shortly before Christmas.
The decision ended the prospect of the veteran Labour politician – who was accused of 22 sexual offences against boys between 1963 and 1988 – facing a posthumous "trial of the facts".
Had that trial gone ahead, alleged victims would have been able to testify and evidence gathered by Leicestershire Police would have been aired in public.
The force launched an investigation, codenamed Operation Enamel, into Lord Janner in 2013.
Detectives traced 25 people who allege they were sexually abused by the former MP for Leicester West.
Officers spoke to more than 2,000 people and took 442 statements.
About 600 items seized as part of the investigation included cine film and videos.
A specialist child abuse lawyer who is representing eight alleged victims said yesterday's announcement was "devastating" for them. (more...)
Martin Ronsons cartoon about Lord Janner.
#CSA #Westminster #CoverUp #CSAInquiry pic.twitter.com/6R60cAL91n
— Leighton Early (@LeightonEarly) January 15, 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment