Haut de la Garenne BBC News press release
July 31, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
31.07.08
Haut de la Garenne Solicitor requests more support for investigation
Alan Collins , the solicitor representing many of the alleged abuse victims at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey , has publicly requested more support for the Senior Investigating Officer Lenny Harper, following Mr. Harper’s recent BBC interview.
The experienced solicitor at Dyer Burdett & Co. based in Hampshire, has been working with Ozannes Advocate Mark Temple, representing former residents of the notorious Jersey care home and has travelled as far as Australia Alan Collins said: “It is staggering that Lenny Harper and his colleagues, both on Jersey and the mainland, have been able to collate so much evidence in this case. I know from my own experience this must have been a painstaking task and all those involved in the investigation are to be applauded.” He added: “It is emerging, from the evidence given by the alleged victims who have come forward and from the forensic aspect of the enquiry, that Haut de la Garenne was a scene of unparalleled child abuse atrocities. Even if the children whose remains have been found were not the victims of homicide, the fact that they were not given a religious burial, let alone any kind of dignity, demonstrates that by entering the home you actually became a lesser human being, as those who are still alive allege.” The investigation, which started in November 2007, has been under near constant scrutiny by the media and the Senior Investigating Officer himself is under additional pressure as he prepares to retire next month. Despite this Alan believes the investigation needs more support and added: “ It must surely be the wish of all those who have any interest in ensuring that the full truth emerges, they fully support the ongoing police investigation, and this must also mean that all assistance that is required is provided.
The victims, both those who are no longer with us and those still alive, deserve nothing less. In representing my clients I shall be continuing to observe the investigation with acute interest.”
31.7.08
02392492472
