In his first appearance before the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, Mr Bailhache, who was Attorney General in 2008 when the former deputy police chief was making regular statements to the world’s media, said, for example, that reports about cellars and shackles risked undermining the credibility of prosecution witnesses.
He added that the media coverage could have led to defence advocates arguing that those charged with abuse could not get a fair trial.
Mr Bailhache was questioned about various aspects of his involvement in the child abuse inquiry, and issues relating to it, as the Island’s chief law officer who had the ultimate say on whether or not to charge suspects. As Attorney General, he was also responsible for advising the States of Jersey, including ministers.
On Thursday, he dismissed suggestions that there was an unacceptable conflict of interest in this dual role and said that he saw no issue with his being Attorney General while his brother was Bailiff and the Island’s chief judge, a view which, he said, the Jersey Court of Appeal had agreed with.
Looking for a new career opportunity? We’ve got the latest jobs both online and in-paper for you to choose from. Start your new professional path today at www.jerseyeveningpost.com/jobs
