Heath sex accusers in line for cash payouts
DOZENS of people encouraged by police to accuse Sir Edward Heath of child sex abuse stand to earn tens of thousands of pounds in taxpayerfunded compensation.
The complainants, who came forward after a senior detective made a public appeal outside Heath’s home, are understood to be entitled to the compensation – even though the former prime minister is dead and cannot defend his reputation.
The alleged victims are in line for awards despite the fact police are accused of a “witch hunt” against Heath.
Yesterday, The Daily Telegraph disclosed how huge sums had been paid by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to fantasists who made up false abuse claims – and that the money has not been clawed back, prompting ministers to investigate.
The CICA makes its awards regardless of the outcome of a criminal investigation or trial. Instead payments are made based on the “balance of probabilities” that abuse took place. Convictions are based on the much higher standard of evidence being “beyond reasonable doubt”.
Supporters of Heath have accused Wiltshire Police of destroying his reputation. But Mike Veale, Wiltshire Police’s Chief Constable, is reported to believe the allegations. If true, that will act as a green light for the CICA to make the payments.
One fantasist – who can be identified only as “Nick” – falsely accused Heath of being part of a Westminster VIP paedophile ring that murdered and raped children. He has been paid £50,000 which he has kept, despite being investigated for perverting the course of justice.
James Gray, Conservative MP for North Wiltshire, who has branded the £2million inquiry into Heath “an idiotic waste of money”, said: “If somebody is being paid in return for saying they are a victim that runs the risk of somebody making something up.”
Wiltshire Police would not comment on suggestions complainants had made CICA claims over Heath. A spokesman said: “We will not be commenting on any operational detail.”
The CICA insisted: “We do not need to wait for the outcome of a criminal trial if there is already enough information to make a decision on a case”.
A senior judicial source said CICA risked tainting evidence given by alleged victims because of the financial incentive to do so: “The sums being paid out – anywhere between £10,000 and £50,000 – are tantamount to winning the lottery.
“There is no reason for a complainant to make a claim to the CICA in advance of any trial. Jurors should be told if that has happened.”
A Crown Prosecution Service report into false allegations of rape and domestic abuse found 121 cases where it considered bringing charges for false claims in a 15-month period. Of those, 35 prosecutions were brought.