On 12th February this year, a pretty 27 year-old woman died when the Lotus sports car in which she was a passenger, skidded off the road and crashed into a wall on St. Clements Road . The 37 year-old male driver was also injured and after treatment at the General Hospital was sent to the UK for further treatment. He returned to the island four days later apparently unhurt except for a broken arm.
That was five months ago and there is still no word about whether or not the driver is going to face charges or who he is. Because of this delay, rumours are awash that the driver is the son of a prominent ex-politician and that the police are hushing up this incident because of that.
People are asking the following questions:
- Why has no action been taken when this accident happened five months ago?
- When Inspector Chris Beechey commented on the rumours in May he said that it was a” significant and complex investigation.” What is complex and difficult about an investigation of a car crash is the question they are asking.
- Why did the driver have to go to England immediately afterwards for medical treatment when his major injury was a broken arm and he returned to Jersey four days later Did he have another injury that he didn’t want recorded.
- Why has his name not been released?
I can deal with number 4. Until a person is charged, no matter what the offence, the name of the person is not released, so there is nothing peculiar about this. What is peculiar is the time this investigation is taking. The longer this is left hanging in the air, the greater the speculation and rumour which is unfair on the person who is the subject of the rumours if he is innocent. I have to say if it was me being tainted in this way I would make a public statement that I am totally innocent of this event and produce the evidence to show it. Silence on his part simply adds to the speculation.
The sooner the police complete their investigation and put this thing to bed the better.
If someone had been allowing their dog to foul the footpath along St Clement's road when the police arrived, their name would have been in the JEP the next day.
ReplyDeleteIf the police want to get a full picture of events leading up to the incident, common sense says that if the driver were named, any potential witnesses could contact the police if they have any information about his whereabouts or activities prior to the crash.
They may have seen him in a pub drinking & arguing for example, who knows?
Most police forces would put out an immediate appeal for witnesses at the time.
I wonder if there is a local investigative journalist in the unfortunate victim's hometown who can find out? No chance of that here. BBC CTV & JEP where are you?
This must not be allowed to slip under the carpet.
Nice to see someone say what everyone is thinking.
ReplyDeleteIn view of current matters. What is your opinion of the Judicial system in Jersey? Do you think it is fair & operates without conflicts of interest? ie: Between the media, politicians, police & expensive lawyers?
Is it too cosy a club for real justice?
Are you confident that this case could ever be followed through to a conviction? Do you believe the will is there? Or is it a case of if your with us, you're untouchable, if against, down you go?
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.
Many thanks
Sorry anon but you would not be right. If a dog fouled the pavement, the name of the owner would not be released until that person was charged. The police are very consistent about this. What is worrying is the amazing amount of time that it has taken before something happened in this case for as I said what is complex about a car crash.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the judicial system in Jersey is far from clear of constant conflicts of interest. Legal fees are outrageous. Having had some experiences with constituents with the divorce court I am convinced that they are the very worst of their type with greedy, grasping lawyers prepared to put couples into Court and so gain their fees, rather than getting them to seek mediation.
ReplyDeleteThe social links between the the top echelons of the law over here and the administrators of justice are far too. close and that is very unhealthy.
Much of what you say is correct. But I feel that the emphasis in your conclusion is not quite right.
ReplyDeleteThe subject of the rumours might well feel the need to publicly vindicate himself - up to him.
But the real issue is the one you identify. What can possibly be so complex about an accident involving no other vehicle so early in the morning?
After 5 months or so, it is time for the police to at the very least update the public on progress. They might also say quite clearly whether charges are anticipated. If charges are to be brought at some stage, then I guess we will all find out who the driver is at that time. The Police need to tell us now how long we must wait.
On the other hand, if charges are not to be brought, then the Police had better also have a very good explanation!
I agree Ted, however I think with the zealous way allowing a dog to foul our Island Paradise is prioritised, compared to causing death on the roads, any offender would have probably been charged the same day, in time for the "Evening" Post's morning print run !
ReplyDeleteyou are absolutely right in what you say. The issue is the time it has taken to get this to Court. On its face, it is something that should be done in days not five months This delay is heightening the speculation that someone is being protected here..
ReplyDeleteTrue - and don' t park your car on the Jurats' spot in Vine Street!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have always admired your political courage Ted Vibert. You tell it the way it is without fuss or bother and go straight to the heart of it. So refreshing. You have been sadly missed for the last few years but I am sure the people of Jersey will put you back in this election. And you are right to suggest that in the Senatorials people should only vote for anyone they are totally sure about what their intentions are. Anyone who is an Ozouf supporter- like Bailhache and Gorst - should, despite the efforts of the Ozouf party, be kept out of the States.. Don’t falter and keep it up- you have huge support around the island.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that. I will do my best to make Jersey a fairer society you can rely on that.
ReplyDeleteCan you see any reference to this crash on the States of Jersey Police website?
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm missing something but nothing appears to show anywhere. I hope I'm wrong about this but any reference seems to have been airbrushed/swept away.
Try searching the site for any of the following words separately: St Clement; crash; road; died; death; Dita
There are articles about other crashes listed but mysteriously not the St Clement's death crash.
If I am right, can you ask them why & post their response?