Ex-North chief to lead Jersey probe

Jul 10 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

FORMER North police chief David Warcup is to take charge of the investigation into alleged abuse on Jersey, police announced yesterday.

Mr Warcup, who left his role as Deputy Chief Constable of Northumbria at the weekend, will lead the investigation after Deputy Chief Officer Lenny Harper retires next month.

Mr Warcup, who takes over as the island’s Deputy Chief Officer, will be responsible for the strategy, policy and standards of the investigation, the force said.

The announcement came as police investigating abuse on Jersey shifted their focus to a Second World War bunker which was the scene of alleged serious sexual crimes.

The bunker lies about 500 yards from the boundary of the Haut de la Garenne children’s home.

The only visible sign of the bunker is a squat brick tower on a cliff edge.

There are several underground rooms which were used as a look-out by the occupying German force during the Second World War.

Six witnesses have come forward to say they were abused at the bunker to the east of Haut de la Garenne.

Lenny Harper, the officer heading the investigation, said at the scene: “The allegation is that residents from Haut de la Garenne were taken to the bunker by members of staff and abused there.”

On Mr Warcup, Jersey’s Chief Officer Graham Power said the force was looking for someone with experience of complex major investigations who can produce files of evidence for consideration by the Jersey Law Officers.

He said: “I hope that this proposed appointment will be seen as evidence of the island’s continued determination to ensure that all of the allegations relating to historic abuse are investigated thoroughly, in a way which will be seen as determined and independent.

It was announced in April that Mr Warcup, 50, was to take up the deputy’s job in Jersey, but details of his role was not detailed until yesterday.

The married father of two joined Northumbria Police in 1976 and has risen steadily through the ranks.

During his career he has undertaken postings including one with the Serious Crime Squad and he graduated from the Strategic Command Course at the Police Staff College in 2000.

Mr Warcup holds a master’s degree in business administration, and a post-graduate diploma in management studies and criminology in police studies.

He has lectured in leadership and strategic management at Northumbria University.

Mr Harper, 56, has led the inquiry into Haut de la Garenne since the discovery of what were initially thought to be fragments of a child’s skull were discovered under a stairwell in February.

Tests later revealed it was more likely to be wood or a piece of coconut but since then officers have discovered evidence including four underground rooms, 52 teeth, more than 30 bone fragments, blood spots on a bath and disturbing graffiti including the phrase, ‘I’ve been bad for years and years’.

Mr Harper has said he believes the evidence points to murder.

The allegation is that residents .... were taken to the bunker ... and abused there