Jimmy Savile Link to Shefford Boys Home Questioned by Mp Justine Greening

The Advertiser
February 20, 2014

http://www.theadvertisergroup.co.uk/Daily-News/Biggleswade/Jimmy-Savile-link-to-Shefford-boys-home-questioned-by-MP-Justine-Greening-20140220155424.htm

Jimmy Savile gets a honorary doctor of arts at Bedfordshire Uni

An MP has stepped in to help former residents of a Catholic boys home who claim they were physically and sexually abused.

Justine Greening is also to ask the police about a potential link between the home and Jimmy Savile, which has been demonstrated.

Police have been investigating the claims, concerning St Francis Boys Home in Shefford, for more than 12 months.

It is the third time they have investigated the home.

Paperwork for the first two investigations, in 1998 and 2003, originally went missing but were subsequently found.

At that time Father John Ryan, who was in charge of the home from 1962 to its closure in 1973, was arrested and interviewed but never charged.

We interviewed Father Ryan in 2005 and he died a year later.

As well as the police investigation there is a ‘class action’ being undertaken by many of the former boys, against the Catholic Church.

Ms Greening has written to one of the former boys, who have legal anonymity, saying she will write to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to highlight these concerns.

The MP has asked Mrs May to look also at two previous deaths at the home and whether the original decisions concerning those deaths were correct or whether a corporate manslaughter charge can be brought.

It was discovered that Jimmy Savile used to visit the home, as there was a Catholic Church on the site, which is still open.

Savile was a devout Catholic and used to visit when staying at nearby Henlow Grange. He is pictured in Shefford in 1985, at the 40th anniversary of VE Day.

A former professional involved with the home has also been tracked down and has agreed to talk to the former residents’ lawyers.

A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “We will continue to look in to all new allegations relating to St Francis Boys Home. At this time none of the complaints received have made any reference to Jimmy Savile being involved.

“Officers from the Safeguarding Unit are also continuing investigations in to a recent report of historic abuse against a former staff member from an ex-resident whilst staying at the St Francis Boys Home.

“They have also located a further former staff member in connection with 28 reports received earlier in 2013. Both people have been arrested and released on police bail pending further investigations.

“As these investigations are ongoing, the disclosure of any further information may prejudice any prosecution that may arise out of these investigations.”