Abuse suspects freed

Wednesday 25th June 2008, 3:00PM BST.

A COUPLE arrested yesterday on suspicion of child abuse in connection with the Haut de la Garenne inquiry have been released – because St Helier’s most senior honorary officer refused to charge them.

Detectives from the States police said that they were left with ‘no alternative’ but to let the 70-year-old man and 69-year-old woman go late last night.

No explanation has been given why the honorary officer, Centenier Danny Scaife (pictured), declined to charge.

A statement released by the States force and written by deputy police chief Lenny Harper said that the Centenier had made his decision ‘despite stating that the evidence was present’.

Mr Harper said later that he wanted to make it clear that he had ‘no difficulty with, or criticism of, the Centenier at all. He was just trying to do his job in difficult circumstances.’

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