Jersey States appoint UK judge to lead abuse inquiry

Sally Bradley QC said it was vital to get the truth in a fair and objective way

Jersey politicians have voted unanimously in favour of having a senior UK judge lead an investigation into historical child abuse.

Deputy High Court Judge Sally Bradley QC will chair the £6m committee of inquiry into abuse in the care system.

She has 35 years of experience in family law and worked on physical, sexual and emotional abuse cases.

The inquiry will look into allegations of abuse in children's homes and fostering services from 1960.

Politicians voted 48 in favour, with none against on Tuesday 16 July.

A three-year long £7.5m investigation by Jersey police into historical child abuse in the island's care homes began in 2007 after allegations of abuse at former children's home Haut de la Garenne.

Since June 2008 there have been eight independent reports into various aspects of historical child abuse in Jersey.

The committee of inquiry is due to begin its work in the autumn.