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Jersey probe cop Lenny Harper: I’m being set up as the fall guy

By Deborah McAleese
Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Storm on Jersey: Lenny Harper outside the Haut de la Garenne care home which was at the centre of his investigations

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Jersey probe officer faces Secrets Act investigation

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The Northern Ireland-born police officer who headed up the Jersey child abuse probe is to tell the High Court in London next month that the UK must intervene in the case to ensure justice for the victims.

Lenny Harper, who retired in August after leading a two-year long police inquiry into historical child abuse on the island, told the Belfast Telegraph that he will be giving evidence to the High Court about obstructions he faced while trying to bring cases to court during his time at the helm of the investigation.

Mr Harper also said he believes that a smear campaign has been launched against him in a bid to set him up as the fall guy should the police investigation fail.

The Londonderry man, who now lives in Ayr, will give evidence during a legal challenge over the handling of the Jersey child abuse investigation. The action was launched in August by a campaign group — set up by Lib Dem MP John Hemming and Jersey senator Stuart Syvret — that says it does not have confidence in the island's authorities.

The group wants a judicial review of what it has called the “failure” of UK ministers to “enforce the rule of law”. The island's attorney general has said criticism of its justice system was “misplaced”.

“The courts of Jersey have been delivering justice week in, week out for centuries,” he said. “Justice will be done.”

But Mr Harper said he will tell the High Court of his concerns that victims may not get justice unless an outside body steps in.

“I will be giving evidence about the obstructions and problems I met in trying to get cases to court.

“I was always reluctant to say publicly that I thought someone from the outside should step in. But I think someone from the UK needs to intervene in some way to make sure the victims get justice.

I believe all this |nonsense is to |discredit me and to set me up to take the fall. There has been no more progress in the Jersey case, so I really think this is all about finding |someone to take |the blame

“It is concerning that there have been no more arrests or any progress in the case,” he said.

The Jersey Police Complaints Authority is currently investigating a formal complaint lodged by Mr Harper about comments made by his successor Deputy Chief Officer David Warcup and Detective Superintendent Michael Gradwell at a recent Press conference.

During the media briefing Mr Warcup attacked Mr Harper’s inquiry. He said there were no suspicious deaths at the former children's home Haut de la Garenne and that the investigation was not conducted properly.

However, Mr Harper said the comments “grossly and deliberately or negligently,” misrepresented views and statements made by him to the media.

“I believe all this nonsense is to discredit me and to set me up to take the fall. There has been no more progress in the case so I really think this is all about finding someone to take the blame,” he said.

Mr Harper also told the Belfast Telegraph he recently received a “bizarre” letter from Mr Warcup requesting the return of any unused documents relating to the case.

“I have no unused material whatsoever. I have nothing which is relevant to the inquiry. This letter was very puzzling and a little disturbing. I can only think of two possible reasons — one that it is an attempt to intimidate me just before I give evidence in the High Court or two, that it is an attempt to set the scene to blame me for any discontinuation of proceedings. In light of all that has been happening I believe I am being set up to take the blame if no charges are brought.”

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Ok, firstly..
Elaine Saunders: I would refer people to his comment on a recent ITV news bulletin, " I know abuse took place ( at Haut De La Garenne) because the victims have told me that it did."
I rest my case.
Yes rest your case, how else do we proceed with gathering evidence other than talking to those whom have been victims, what is the most frequently used evidence in the whole world?
Oh YES! Victims speaking.
REST MY CASE NEXT:
Absolutely shocking! Will Lenny Harper not shut up? He moans about not being able to enjoy his retirement and then can't keep out of the media. He needs to chill and let the police get on with their job.

Post by Jersey Crapaud

'IM sure he would, if the jersey politants would allow him too. You have to always stand up for your name and the truth, people of Jersey flocked to tell Lenny Harper of his well doings. Now, we have a man gunning for Grahams job and the polliticians to allow.
Stand free, fight for the cause of the REAL Jersey people.

Posted by Trudie | 25.12.08, 03:49 GMT

When Lenny Harper made public his entirely subjective approach to the investigation, the process became fatally flawed. His conduct in this respect has made it very difficult for any successful prosecutions to be secured.

This regretable situation has been brought about as a result of Mr Harper's conduct and for him to seek to blame any other authority for the shambolic state of affairs only serves to further demonstrate his lack of objectivity.

I would refer people to his comment on a recent ITV news bulletin, " I know abuse took place ( at Haut De La Garenne) because the victims have told me that it did."
I rest my case.

Elaine Saunders

Posted by elaine saunders | 19.12.08, 19:05 GMT

I would just like to say that I believe Lenny Harper was an honest cop, doing his job to the best of his ability. It is a sad fact that many of Jersey's politicians are a bunch of narcissistic morons hell bent on their own agenda. I wish Mr Harper and Mr Power (former chief constable) all the support that they deserve. I'm pleased that they didn't take the sop offered by our States of Jersey shower. There are many people here in Jersey that have had enough of the status quo running this Island for their own ends. The more investigative jouralism by the outside press the better.

Posted by soothesayer | 19.12.08, 01:06 GMT

The States of Jersey including its legal services is thoroughly corrupt, nepotistic, conflicted and wholly self serving of the rich and powerful.The middle and working classes are simply there to work for them and enrich them further.

Their frantic actions to rubbish Lenny Harper are a response to having allowed an honest man in, in the first place.Luckily their spinning is extremely small time- but no more than you would expect from jumped up town Councillors left in charge of a pot of gold.

The abuse survivors are all there posting on Senator Syvret's blog.Read it please.You couldn't make it up!

Posted by Obiter | 18.12.08, 10:43 GMT

Most people that live on Jersey are decent folk and being a small island, 45 sq miles, and self governing, rely on our own independent police, and media. Politician Stuart Syvret has requested Jack Straw ( English Government), bring in outside Judges, to make sure self interest is not served.. He refuses and says (the village that is Jersey) can deal with its own investigation, and is now being taken to the high court in order to intervene

Its fair to say that Stuart Syvret, and the abused that came forward, had confidence in the island police when Lenny Harper, and police chief Graham Power were in charge of the case.
A new detective team was brought in from England and employed by our States Government.. Since then, our head of defence committee in charge of police named as Wendy Kinnard, has resigned, without giving a reason.

Posted by Davey West | 18.12.08, 09:36 GMT

Don't worry Mr Harper.....anyone who has followed this case can see the 'smear' campaign that is being waged against you.
All decent people want to know the truth of what happened to children there. Every child that passed through it's doors must be traced and accounted for.

And those victims who have told of their abuse MUST get justice!

Posted by Jessa | 18.12.08, 02:37 GMT

The Belfast telegraph must support Lenny, we all know he did his best for the victims.

Posted by UNIONCRUISER | 17.12.08, 20:12 GMT

"The island's attorney general has said criticism of its justice system was “misplaced”.

"He would say that, wouldn't he" - Mandy Rice-Davies

Posted by Red Etom | 17.12.08, 18:08 GMT

Go, go, go Mr. Harper. You may well be the only hope these abused people (and the whole of Britain) have to get a bit of justice, and to stop these gruesome events from being repeated. The minds of dozens, perhaps hundreds of abused people are maybe shy to come forward but will support you.

Trust your experience, your long years of professional practice, your nose and the people you will be helping.

Do your thing, you've always been a good cop. Also don't forget that you "wear the badge of courage".

Posted by Zeev Reuteman | 17.12.08, 14:59 GMT

Lenny Harper did all that could be asked of him and more during his time on the island...unfortunately, because hes not into the "Jersey way" it was inevitable that the ruling elite of Jersey would attempt this type of thing to support the cover-up...and make no bones about it thats whats going on-some of the paedophiles that live in Jersey are powerful men and will do anything in their power to protect themselves and their hangers-on.

The ony solution to this whole shameful episode is outside intervention and total transparency in all aspects of a new investigation.

Lenny is welcome back in Jersey anytime!.

Posted by Alex | 17.12.08, 12:16 GMT

Isn't it interesting how some major news items can quietly disappear from the headlines? Feed the masses with trivia like the X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, ( not that these programmes do not bring a lot of enjoyment), but I reckon there is a cover up to protect highly placed paedophiles here. Efforts are being made by moneyed allies of these despicable people to discredit Lenny Harper. If you have money and friends in high places, ways and means are not a problem.

Posted by T J McClean | 17.12.08, 10:10 GMT

It is obnoxious but yes Lenny Harper is going to be used as the scapegoat, on the Jersey Grapevine this is no surprise and was actually expected.

Let's face it the first thing the new police in charge have done is to start disposing of evidence and openly admitted this, saying that they are dumping the rubbish evidence, this has been openly reported in the media, and if this isn't perverting the course of justice I don't know what is.

I know many of those who have been abused in Jersey, and I pray that all those abused will get justice, real justice.

The problem is that the powers that be in the island will continue the huge cover up and only money seems to talk here. Morals and ethics = zilch Empathy isn't really felt in the hearts of some if it means they might have even a tiny bit of financial loss.

Posted by Linda Corby | 17.12.08, 09:28 GMT

I sincerely hope that Mr Harper is not made the fall guy. The J Government, Courts and Police need to realise that they are accountable and they should sit up and understand they can't sweep anything under the carpet any more.

It is one thing to be skillful and outwit ones opponents on a level playing field, but to use deceit and downright cunning, beggars belief.

More power to the victims I say.

Truth Will Out

Posted by Truth Will Out | 17.12.08, 09:13 GMT

Absolutely shocking! Will Lenny Harper not shut up? He moans about not being able to enjoy his retirement and then can't keep out of the media. He needs to chill and let the police get on with their job.

Posted by Jersey Crapaud | 17.12.08, 09:07 GMT

Tell them every last sleazy detail Lenny. The majority of the Jersey people believe in you. The victims need outside help more than ever.

Posted by JTM | 17.12.08, 09:00 GMT

Lenny harper and Chief Inspector Graham Power, in my opinion were the only hope these poor victims had of getting any justice and our "ruling elite" soon set about discrediting them.

For the sake of the victims and justice we need outside judges and prosecuters most of all we need Mr.Harper and Mr.Power on the case. OUR GOVERNMENT JUST STINKS OF CORRUPTION!!!!!!

Posted by voiceforchildren | 17.12.08, 08:21 GMT