NORTHERN IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph

BY ALAN ERWIN – 28 MARCH 2015

An historical abuse inquiry chairman has won his appeal against a ruling that he unfairly denied legal representation to an alleged victim.

Sir Anthony Hart was challenging a High Court verdict that a bar had effectively been erected against the woman who claims she was molested by a “very high-profile figure”.

Senior judges in Belfast backed his case on the basis that she is not expected to be subjected to critical comments in the tribunal’s ultimate findings.

Lord Justice Girvan said: “Against the background of a conclusion that the applicant did not face a likelihood of criticism, the dictates of fairness did not call for legal representation or representation at public expense.”