New SIO appointed for Jersey case

Detective Superintendent Michael Gradwell of Lancashire Constabulary has been chosen to head up the two-year inquiry into child abuse allegations at Haut de la Garenne care home in Jersey.

The role was previously held by Jersey`s former deputy chief officer, Lenny Harper, who retired this month.

Det Supt Gradwell has previously led an investigation into the deaths of cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay. He is expected to start in September and will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the inquiry.

Jersey Police`s new deputy chief officer, David Warcup, will be responsible for the overall strategy, policy and standards of the investigation.

Mr Harper, 56, received criticism from politicians and journalists, who claimed he enjoyed the limelight of heading the investigation too much, and that the way information about the initial find of human remains at Haut de la Garenne was released to the media led to sensationalist reporting. He was also accused of constantly striving to keep the case in the headlines.

Police are investigating abuse claims at Haut de la Garenne dating from the early 1960s to 1986. Three people have been charged in connection with the case and a further 80 people are being investigated. More than 100 people have made allegations.