Jersey historical abuse inquiry head suffers stroke

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

An inquiry into historical abuse in Jersey will be delayed after its newly-appointed chairman suffered a stroke.

UK judge Sally Bradley QC had been confirmed in the role by unanimous vote in the States of Jersey last week.

She became ill unexpectedly last week and although she is recovering, her doctor has advised she would be unable to continue to chair the inquiry, which was due to start in the autumn.

The selection panel hopes to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.

The selection committee is searching again for a suitable person to chair it and has delayed interviewing candidates for the two other positions.

States Greffier Michael de la Haye said Ms Bradley, a deputy High Court judge, was ideal for the role, had already visited Jersey and was looking forward to starting work.

He said people waiting for the inquiry to start would be disappointed but the selection panel hoped to appoint a replacement as soon as possible.

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 was due to begin its work in the autumn but is likely to be delayed until 2014 as the States would need to approve any new chairman.