Identity laws may be changed

A House of Commons committee has been looking at anonymity

Possible changes to the way islanders accused of sexual offences have their identities revealed are being looked at by a Jersey States committee.

The Legislation Committee is consulting with the police and victim support groups about extending anonymity beyond victims.

The issue of anonymity for people accused of sexual offences arose again after charges against TV presenter John Leslie were dropped.

A House of Commons select committee has been looking at the matter and whether anonymity should be extended to cover those accused of sexual offences, as well as victims.

Senator Christopher Lakeman has now been asked by the Legislation Committee to look at the matter in Jersey.

"In the small communities, Jersey's Attorney General has said in his preliminary review that it may be advisable for anonymity to be extended to those who are accused of crime, as well as those who report crime," he said.

Senator Lakeman confirmed he would be holding talks with Jersey Police and Victim Support on the issue.