Jersey health loses battle over child abuse reports

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry is investigating historical abuse in the island's care system

Expert reports from a long-running abuse case must be released for use by the Jersey Care Inquiry, a judge has ordered.

The victims, known as the X Children, wanted the inquiry to use them, but Jersey's health department had tried to stop their full release.

Commissioner Pamela Scriven said the reports criticised "systemic issues" in Children's Services at the time.

She said their full release was in the public interest.

The care inquiry is looking into historical abuse in Jersey's care system.

Three siblings are suing the States over nine years of abuse after concerns were first raised in 1999.

Ms Scriven QC said: "I cannot second guess, nor should I seek to control, the way the inquiry carries out its functions."

The inquiry has already seen a number of documents related to the case, but was restricted in how it could use them.

Embarrassment for States

The health department had tried to prevent further release and limit publication, saying the inquiry should be able to reach its own conclusions without publishing the reports.

The victims' lawyer, Advocate Timonthy Hanson, said they saw no reason other than embarrassment for the States to oppose the move.

Mr Hanson said: "The States set up the abuse inquiry but the Minister fought against the inquiry making full use of these important expert reports.

"Perhaps it was embarrassment as to what is contained in the reports, or a desire to avoid the inquiry reaching similar conclusions."

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry said it could not comment.

The health department has been approached for comment.