THE police investigation into accusations of historical child abuse at the Jersey Sea Cadets has been abandoned.

The States police confirmed this morning that their inquiry into allegations against individuals who have worked with the cadets had ended because of insufficient evidence. Former deputy police chief Lenny Harper wrote to the unit’s parent charity, the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, last month before he retired informing them of the decision. However, he said that should any further information or evidence come to light, it would be considered by the inquiry team.

This part of the major inquiry followed the conviction of some officers at the Jersey Sea Cadet Unit in recent years for child-related offences. A police statement issued yesterday said that while the Jersey Sea Cadets were frequently referred to in connection with the historical abuse inquiry, it had not been the organisation that was under investigation.

Jersey Sea Cadets commanding officer Rob Davison (pictured) said that the news of the investigation and the subsequent high media profile of the case had demoralised the staff and that they were relieved that it was now complete.