Halt to 11 abuse cases condemned

A decision to drop a number of cases in the Jersey historic abuse inquiry has been condemned by the Jersey Care Leavers' Association.

The island's Attorney General advised earlier this week that no further action should be brought in relation to 11 cases.

It followed two other cases being dropped in June.

The Association said dropping the cases raised "serious questions about commitment to justice".

Association spokesman Jim Goddard said the move would badly affect victims because it "compounds their suffering".

Decision 'explained'

He said: "We condemn the handling of these cases. We have seen prosecutions in similar cases in the UK.

"To build up the hopes of so many care leavers - at great cost, to many, of their peace of mind - only to have them dashed when prosecutions don't result is adding insult to injury."

Jersey Police said inquiries into other allegations of historic abuse would continue.

Attorney General William Bailhache said he intended to reveal the details behind the decision to drop the cases when there could be "no impact on potential prosecutions".