Goddard considers next steps in Janner abuse investigation

The first preliminary hearing held by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) took place on 9th March at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. It marks the start of public hearings in the Inquiry’s 13 investigations. Its purpose was to consider the next steps in the investigation into institutional responses to allegations of child sexual abuse relating to the politician Lord Greville Janner.
The public bodies under scrutiny in the Janner inquiry include the Crown Prosecution Service, Leicestershire police, Leicestershire county council, a number of care homes, the Labour party and the Home Office.

To read the full blog click here. 

Will victims of Janner have to give sexual abuse evidence in public? Goddard will decide on Wednesday.

The opening Lord Greville Janner hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) (“the Goddard Inquiry”), will open tomorrow and hear arguments about:-

1. Submissions on scope of the investigation; 
2. Broadcast of proceedings; 
3. Timetable for further hearings and applications for anonymity 
4. Applications from those designated as Core Participants. 

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BBC Savile Report shows the need for Mandatory Reporting

The publication of the report of the Dame Janet Smith Jimmy Savile Report into the abuse committed by him at the BBC, the themes have dealt with many issues but the newspapers have highlighted 2 themes.

 Visit http://www.abuselaw.co.uk/news/peter-garsden-blog/bbc-savile-report-will-show-the-need-for-mandatory-reporting/ to read more.

Was "Spotlight" the abuse film "dark"or "light and inspirational"?

Scene from Spotlight

My usual criticism of any form of entertainment about the subject of child abuse often complains that the subject was so dark that one felt depressed rather than enlightened or inspired.

This film made me feel differently.  You can read my review by clicking through to www.abuselaw.co.uk.

Can the Met Police be criticised for “believing” an abuse victim?

Sir Bernard Hogan Howe stood up very well to John Humphrys’ cross examination this morning on the Today Programme on Radio 4. He was defending the way in which the Met Police had conducted the investigation of serious sexual abuse allegations as part of Operation Midland.

Peter has been concerned for some time now that the child abuse pendulum is starting to swing against the victims and in favour of the alleged abusers. 

To read more click here.

Should Police spend less on Historic Abuse Cases and more on Terrorism?

Peter has been asked to give my opinion on Radio Ulster about criticism of the police for spending too much money on historic abuse cases, and complaining that they don’t have enough resources to keep the public safe from terrorism.

The interview has been sparked by a comment Edwina Currie apparently made to the same station on Saturday, but more particularly by  Nigel Lawson on various media channels over the weekend. He said ‘Look at how much the police is spending now on chasing up often unsubstantiated accusations of historic sex abuse. That’s got nothing to do with security.

To read more click here.

Should Tom Watson have apologised to the Brittans?

Tom Watson has been asked to apologise for representing forcefully, the allegations of abuse that have been relayed to him by victims of non-recent abuse committed by, allegedly, Leon Brittan and others. Peter Garsden discusses the feedback he has received from survivors of abuse and their campaigners.  Read his blog here.

http://www.abuselaw.co.uk/news/latest-posts/should-tom-watson-have-apologised-to-the-brittans/