Bishop jailed for sex offences can use lawyers paid for by the public
emerged that Ball has been given legal representation paid for out of public funds at a rate of up to £200 an hour for barristers and £150 an hour for solicitors. Ball has been given “core participant” status, meaning he is also entitled to disclosure of all documents relating to his offending; to make opening and closing statements at the inquiry; to suggest lines of inquiry; and to apply to ask questions of witnesses.
By the time public hearings are held into his offending next year, he should be out of prison. Reverend Graham Sawyer, one of Ball’s victims who has waived his right to anonymity, said: “I do find it really troubling. It is disturbing. I am not quite sure what new information can be gained.”
Phil Johnson, another of Ball’s alleged victims and spokesman for the Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors group, said: “One does have to question the validity of spending public money on giving somebody legal representation who is clearly guilty and has admitted it. The concern from survivors is that Peter Ball will be out of jail by the time we have the hearings. This is hugely distasteful.
“This opens the door to any other sex offenders to be funded as well. It sets a dangerous precedent.”
Lawyers have questioned the need to give Ball legal funding and core participant status since the inquiry is focused on institutional failings rather than the behaviour of individuals.
The inquiry heard last week that Ball was one of 36 individuals and institu- tions granted core participant status for its Anglican Church investigations.
A spokesman for the inquiry said: “Peter Ball was granted core participation designation on the basis that there is a specific case study in connection with the institutional responses to his offending.
“While the Chair would have to consider any applications received from other perpetrators, the reasons for her decision to designate him as a core participant and grant his request for legal funding are specific to the particular investigation and case study.”