Greville Janner Abuse Inquiry Judge Lowell Goddard's Resignation Is a "Betrayal', Says Solicitor

Leicester Mercury
August 5, 2016

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/greville-janner-abuse-inquiry-judge-lowell-goddard-s-resignation-is-a-betrayal-says-solicitor/story-29588856-detail/story.html


A solicitor who is representing people who were allegedly sexually abused by Greville Janner said they would feel "betrayed" after the chairman of an independent investigation into their allegations stood down.

Peter Garsden spoke after the Dame Lowell Goddard announced last night she was stepping down as chairman of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, (IICSA), which is to hear testimonies from up to 30 people who say the Labour politician sexually abused them.

However, she gave no reason for her decision. A national newspaper had earlier reported she had spent a lot of time out of the country during her first year in the post.

The IICSA is examining why the late Lord Janner was not charged with offences against children when he was alive and well.

The politician, who had suffered dementia, died at Christmas. His son, Daniel, insisted this week his father was innocent of all of the allegations and accused alleged victims of seeking compensation,

Greville Janner's family denied he had sexually abused children.

Organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council and the Labour Party are to be questioned about their knowledge and handling of historical allegations against the former Labour MP for Leicester West.

The Lord Janner investigation is one of 12 strands of a broad inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse by significant public figures.

The New Zealander was the third person chosen to be the chairman of the panel, which was expected to sit for up to five years.

The two previous post holders resigned after critics said they were too close to the British 'establishment'.

Home Secretary said Amber Rudd said the inquiry would continue its work while the search for a new chairman was underway.

Mr Garsden, of law firm Quality Solicitors Abney Garsden, wrote on his blog last night: "The investigation of Lord Janner is causing disquiet amongst friends and family who feel that a man who has never been prosecuted and is dead should not be the subject of investigation.

"This ignores the wishes and feelings of 30 victims, half of whom we represent.

"They deserve some sort of justice after the police and the Crown Prosecution Service missed four opportunities to prosecute the lord during his lifetime.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is examining why Greville Janner was not charged

"I can only presume that her external commitments in Australia and New Zealand, have brought about split loyalties and the realisation that she cannot do full justice to the task which she seemed determined to give her full concentration.

"A quick replacement is required to ensure continuation with the same energy.

"An overly quick appointment, however, could result in more criticism if someone too close to the establishment is once again installed.

"Survivors will feel betrayed once again and let down by what they will perceive is failure by authority to properly investigate what those in positions of power are trying to cover up."

A second legal firm which represents 50 alleged victims in the Janner and other cases under examination by the IICSA, gave its reaction to the resignation this morning,

Richard Scorer, specialist abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon, said: "This resignation is very disappointing.

"Survivors of abuse have waited years, if not decades, to have their voices heard.

"This inquiry has a very important role: to identify failings of the past and learn from them so they are not repeated. That has not changed.

"It is now crucial that the work already done by the inquiry continues and a suitable replacement to Dame Goddard is found as soon as possible."

The Home Secretary said: "I want to assure everyone with an interest in the inquiry, particularly victims and survivors, that the work of the inquiry will continue without delay and a new chair will be appointed.

"I would like to thank Dame Lowell Goddard for the contribution she has made in setting up the inquiry so that it may continue to go about its vital work."