pressure on beleaguered DPP to go
should have been done – as the CPS admitted last week it should have charged him after three earlier investigations by Leicestershire Police.
He wrote: ‘Given the exceptional historical mistakes in this matter, I would like to understand why you did not deem it in the public interest to have a trial of facts, given this legal mechanism exists to enable the alleged victims to present their evidence in court and have a decision made as to whether Lord Janner carried out the alleged acts.
‘The decision by the CPS enables the disparity in the public arena between the position of the alleged victims and those of Lord Janner’s family to exist in perpetuity.’
He went on: ‘With victims of child sexual abuse, it is the very fact of being able to give evidence in court and have a decision made on the allegations which is so crucial.
‘The courage required to come forward when you are or have been a victim of child sexual abuse should not be underestimated.
‘We are concerned as to the unintentional consequences the situation could have on encouraging other victims of child sexual abuse to come forward, particularly if the accused sits in a position of influence or power.’
Mr Wanless’s letter will carry weight as he is a former senior civil servant who last year was called upon by the Home Office to search its archives for the notorious ‘Dickens dossier’ on alleged VIP paedophiles.
Mrs Saunders, however, believes it would be wrong to hold a trial of facts, because they are usually used when the suspect poses a danger to the public and a judge needs to impose an order to ensure they receive hospital treatment.
She told the BBC last week: ‘The medical evidence was very clear in this case that there was no ongoing risk.’
Mr Wanless still believes that Lord Janner’s accusers need to be satisfied that justice has been done.
Mrs Saunders suffered another knock last night after a Survation/ MoS poll said calls for her to resign are supported by 44 per of the public with 27 in favour of her staying on.