Three alleged abuse victims of Lord Janner will not pursue compensation claims
Three alleged victims of the late Lord Janner are not pursuing their compensation claims against his estate.
On Thursday in London, Senior High Court official Master McLoud was told by lawyers for the estate that each agreed to “abandon for all time and for all purposes all and any claims” in respect of any alleged personal injury, loss and damage.
Master McLoud said that those claims, brought by individuals represented by Affinity Law, had expired without service and were at an end.
Six lead claimants, represented by Slater and Gordon, are still pursuing their actions against the estate.
A number of complainants also intend to proceed against Leicestershire County Council over alleged historic abuse while in care.
Lord Janner was charged with 22 sexual offences dating back to the 60s but the 87-year-old peer was found unfit to stand trial just days before he died in December 2015.
The estate’s counsel, Rupert Butler, told the court it was worth £1.8 million and the “finite fund” could be “overwhelmed” by costs and become insolvent should the claimants be successful on liability.
Calling for the cases to be heard quickly, he said there should be a cut-off point for fresh claims.
The proceedings will return to court in July for further case management.
Lord Janner’s son, Daniel Janner QC, who is working alongside Mr Butler, said later: “My beloved father was wholly innocent of any wrong doing.
“We will therefore fully fight these allegations in the civil court.
“We want these allegations, which were made only when he had dementia or was dead, to be brought to court as soon as we can. They relate to between 50 and 30 years ago.
“We are very pleased that a third of the claims have been dropped today.”
The civil proceedings are carrying on against a background of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and an ongoing Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation.
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Jonathan Brady / PA Wire.
