Nikita McNeill appeared as junior counsel to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) last week at public hearings into the case of Peter Ball, former Bishop of Gloucester, who was convicted in 2015 for offences which included indecent assault and misconduct in a public office. He was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment.
The Inquiry heard evidence about the extent to which the Church of England, other institutions (including the police and the CPS), or persons of public prominence failed to respond appropriately to allegations of child sexual abuse by Peter Ball.
Witnesses included Lord Carey of Clifton, former Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Lloyd of Berwick, former Lord Justice of Appeal. The inquiry also heard evidence, via written statement, from HRH the Prince of Wales in respect of his relationship with Peter Ball; extracts from letters written between the two were read at the hearings. The Prince of Wales was asked by IICSA to explain why he had spoken to the Archbishop of Canterbury about Peter Ball, why members of his staff had contacted Sussex police whilst they were investigating Peter Ball and why the Duchy of Cornwall had purchased a home which was rented to Peter Ball and his twin brother.
The hearings attracted extensive national and international media attention.
Michael Misick, the former premier of the overseas British Territory of the Turks and Caicos…
Chambers is delighted to announce that Rupert Bowers KC has accepted an invitation to join…
