Police Consider Limited Inquiry into Edward Heath Abuse Claims

Police are debating whether a limited inquiry into the Edward Heath abuse claims would be worthwhile instead of conducting a more lengthy and costly full inquiry.

It is believed that such an investigation could lead to a quicker conclusion for the victims as well as save a considerable amount from the public purse. Not launching a full-scale investigation into the matter in an attempt to resolve the issue is now being heavily considered by the police. Some supporters have stated that as Heath is dead and no longer a threat this option is the most logical option.

Edward Heath Allegations

Heath, the former Prime Minister, died ten years ago, but is in the centre of a historical sexual abuse allegation after the rape and other claims were made to more than eight police forces across the UK. The allegations began after a man accused Heath of sexually assaulting him at a flat in Mayfair in 1961. Although it took a substantial time for the person to come forward, it is not the first allegation made against the former Prime Minister.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) stated that it was was looking into whether Wiltshire Police followed up claims against Sir Edward Heath made in the 1990s. According to Superintendent Sean Memory of Wiltshire Police said: "The allegation is that a trial was due to take place in the 1990s and information was received in that trial that Sir Ted Heath was involved in the abuse of children, and the allegation is from the result of that information that the trial never took place." An investigation is now underway to establish if an officer had dropped a prosecution in the 1990s after a person charged with offences threatened to name Heath as a child abuser.

A Labour MP has also came forward stating that a claim was made against Edward Heath directly to him in 2012 and he stated that he passed the allegation on to the police who informed him that one of the claims was being taken seriously.

Potential Inquiry

The issue of a review being scrapped in the 1990s and earlier accusations against Heath not being fully investigated has led for many to call for a full investigation as accomplices may still be alive and accountable for their actions. A full investigation would see a case built up against the former Prime Minister and would remove any level of doubt regarding the actions of Heath. If the inquiry established that crimes had been committed by Heath, then it could also give insight into any cover-ups and establish whether Heath had any living, accomplices.

A quick review would likely conclude that the incidents occurred and would give those making claims some sort of compensation process, however, it has been argued that it would not provide victims with full closure over the incident or review how such crimes were allowed to occur in the first place.

Sir Hugh Orde, the former police chief, said a full criminal inquiry into Heath would waste money and would not help any of the victims. Orde, a former president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "It can't deliver justice, he can't be prosecuted. Does this help the victims, the answer is no." However, many have stated that there is an element of the historical sexual abuse that suggests a police cover-up and that the full rundown of events should be investigated.

Rise in Historical Sexual Abuse Claims

Since the revelation regarding Jimmy Savile, there has been a marked rise in the number of historical sexual abuse claims and the number of victims speaking out about alleged incidents. Since 2012, claims of historical abuse have risen 165% to 52,446 and have presented police with a problem of which case to investigate fully and how resources should be spent. More recent cases have a higher chance of prosecution and pose a greater risk to the public, yet claims can also show major issues with the political and social landscape in the UK.

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If you have been abused or have made a historical sexual abuse claim that was not properly investigated or followed up, we can help. Our team of expert solicitors will treat your case with the discretion and seriousness it deserves. To find out how we can help you, contact us today using our online contact form.

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