Lord Janner may be called to give evidence at inquiry
THE judge leading an independent inquiry into child sex abuse is to investigate claims made against Lord Janner.
Justice Lowell Goddard, a New Zealand judge appointed chairman of the inquiry by the Home Secretary, could call the 86-year-old peer to give evidence.
Lord Janner is accused of a string of historic child sex abuse allegations during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s but was deemed unfit to stand trial because of his dementia.
In a statement, Justice Goddard said: “The depth of public concern surrounding the Janner case exemplifies the need for a thorough and independent investigation into the adequacy of institutional responses to child sexual abuse, particularly where persons in positions of influence are alleged to have abused children in institutional settings and have escaped prosecution.
“There is a clear public interest in conducting an exhaustive examination of the institutional decision-making processes.
“I expect nothing less than full co-operation f rom all relevant institutions.”
The inquiry will examine the conduct of institutions involved in the case, including Leicestershire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Home Office and the care home where it is alleged he abused the victims.
It will also probe allegations senior figures intervened to keep the matter covered up.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders has come under fire for her decision not to prosecute.
A statement from the inquiry said: “Justice Goddard will consider the medical evidence, and the prior statements made by Lord Janner, before deciding whether it is medically appropriate and/or whether there is any useful purpose to be served by seeking to interview him further.”
The Goddard inquiry cannot order Ms Saunders to review her decision and also cannot find Lord Janner guilty but can make findings of fact in relation to the allegations, which it can then make public.
Law firms representing alleged victims have written to Ms Saunders to seek a CPS review and have welcomed the announcement.
Lord Janner denies the allegations against him. His family have said he is “entirely innocent of any wrongdoing”.