News

Victims of alleged child abuse giving evidence at the first public inquiry by Peter Clarke, the children's commissioner for Wales, will have their legal representation paid for to a limit of £10,000 for all.

The eight claimants who are due to give evidence at the Clywch Inquiry into the activities of alleged paedophile John Owen had refused to take part unless they were given funding for independent legal representation (News, page 12, 28 March).

Solicitor Lynda Roberts, representing the alleged victims, said: "We are pleased that the commissioner has offered to pay, but it is disappointing that the amount has been limited. We appreciate that this is the first inquiry of its kind in the UK but there are precedents from other similar public inquiries such as the Victoria Climbié Inquiry."

Clarke said that participation in inquiries must be as easy as possible for witnesses, but that he was aware that funds came from the public purse, which was limited.

The alleged abuse was said to have taken place at a school in South Wales where Owen taught as a drama teacher. Owen was found dead last year after committing suicide the day before he was due to stand trial on criminal charges relating to the alleged abuse.

- For more on the inquiry go to www.community-care.co.uk and search using the words "Clywch Inquiry".