Child abuse inquiry accused of staging a cover-up as sexual assault claims surround probe’s top lawyer
BBC’s Newsnight claim panel knew the allegations surrounding Ben Emmerson QC but chose not inform the public
THE child sex abuse probe was last night accused of covering up an alleged sex assault by its former top lawyer.
A woman claims Ben Emmerson QC groped her in a lift at the inquiry offices in Westminster.
Mr Emmerson, 53, was suspended on September 28 before quitting a day later. No reason was given for his resignation.
He denies any wrongdoing and the woman is understood not to have made a formal complaint.
However, BBC’s Newsnight claimed chairwoman Alexis Jay and her panel were made aware of allegations in late September but did not inform the public.
The inquiry is investigating alleged institutional child abuse within public bodies but it has been blighted by resignations and claims of cover-ups.
Labour MP Lisa Nandy said: “This is the latest and probably most serious allegation to date.”
"The allegations date back quite some considerable time and they paint a picture of an inquiry that was set up to shine a spotlight on institutions that have become characterised by denial, secrecy and cover up.”
A spokesman for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse said: "The Chair fully stands by the statement she made on 29 September.
"It is not true that an inquiry worker made a complaint of sexual assault to the chair, or to the panel, or to an official."