Inquiry: Money well spent

In truth, both attitudes are completely wrong-headed. The inquiry, to be led by a senior UK QC and judge, Sally Bradley, qualifies as an essential and indeed vital process.

In 2011 States Members were overwhelmingly in favour of commissioning the inquiry. They no doubt had in mind the prospect of some sort of closure for the victims of abuse, among them individuals who feel that they have been denied justice.

However, even if that objective remains paramount, there are other reasons why there should be a fresh and full examination of the whole sad issue.

As a result of an initially botched investigation at Haut de la Garenne and the unscrupulous, sensation-seeking efforts of some elements of the national press, which fed rabidly on emerging scraps of often bogus information, the Island’s good name was dragged through the mud.

Subsequent police work produced a more accurate account of what happened at the former children’s home – and in other cases – and although it indicated that lurid accounts of murder and buried bodies were simply unfounded, it is clear that some questions were left unanswered and uncertainties remained.

Worse, a significant minority of Islanders remained utterly convinced that an elaborate and cynical white-wash was perpetrated and that guilt extended to the heights of Island society. Such conspiracy theories are still current.

The inquiry must leave no stone unturned in its examination of those theories and either give the lie to the idea of some high-level plot or, shockingly, reveal evidence that accusations of complicity and cover-up have some foundation.

Meanwhile, there can be no doubt that crimes other than those which were ultimately prosecuted successfully were committed at Haut de la Garenne.

It is also obvious that abuse was not confined to that institution. If the inquiry is to reach a successful conclusion, it will cast further light on these matters and also make it as clear as possible why some cases were not pursued to their conclusion.