Sex Abuse Claims – Lord Janner Appears in Court
Last week 87 year old Lord Janner appeared in court for the first time over historical sex abuse charges.
A total of nine victims have spoken out about the alleged offences that took place during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The former Labour MP has been charged over 22 counts of child sex abuse, including 15 counts of indecent assault and 7 separate counts of a separate sexual offence.
Ill Health
Earlier in 2015, the decision to not bring charges against Lord Janner, due to his ill health, was made by Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions. This decision was overruled after an appeal by the alleged victims.
Lawyers for the peer have repeatedly tried to halt his appearance in court, instead asking for him to appear via video link from his own residence. Lord Janner was diagnosed with dementia in 2008 and the Janner family barrister, lawyer Paul Ozil, claimed that this option would be the ‘least likely’ to cause him to suffer. He is also showing increasing signs of Parkinson’s disease, according to relatives.
Lord Janner’s family had previously expressed their concern at him appearing in court. They claimed that this would be similar to ‘torture’ and that it would be ‘barbaric, inhuman and uncivilised’. His family also stated that a court appearance would be dismissing his human right to a ‘private and family life’ just so a ‘box could be ticked’. However, this appeal was dismissed without hearing an argument from prosecutors by two senior judges.
But Emma Arbuthnot, deputy chief magistrate refused the multiple requests, saying last week:
“Even if I have to have him arrested I am going to resolve this matter today.”
According to Mrs Justice Arbuthnot, as Lord Janner is not in custody, he was not permitted to appear via a live link – this is only acceptable for providing evidence when an individual is in custody.
Court Appearance
Lord Janner’s court appearance lasted just under a minute, long enough for him to confirm his name only and the charges against him were read out once he had exited the court room.
The former Labour MP is now due for a hearing on September 1st at Southwark Crown Court. If he is found unfit to plead by a crown court judge, a trial of the facts will take place. This would not result in Lord Janner’s guilt or conviction, instead a jury would make a decision surrounding whether or not he actually committed the acts of physical abuse. However, if the peer is found fit to enter a plea, a full trial is likely to take place.
Sexual abuse claims – expert advice
Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. Our Abuse & Criminal Injuries Department is headed by Greg Neill – Greg is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).
For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email
You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.
Source: Mail Online; BBC
