Lady Smith invites victims and witnesses of child sex abuse to come forward

Lady Smith, chair of the Scottish government’s child sex abuse inquiry, has issued a statement calling on victims and witnesses to come forward as its investigations continue.

The judge was appointed as chair of the inquiry following the dramatic resignation of Susan O’Brien QC, who complained its independence was being undermined by government interference.

In yesterday’s statement, Lady Smith said: “I come to this role with 15 years of experience as a judge of the Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary. I am personally committed to it and will discharge my duties independently, thoroughly and to the best of my ability.

“This independent Inquiry was established in October 2015 for purposes which include the need to raise public awareness of the fact of children in residential care having been abused, to acknowledge and record the suffering of those children, to carry out investigations and to make recommendations.

“It will investigate how children were failed, what went so badly wrong, identify what makes residential care safe for a child and make recommendations about what we consider is required to ensure that now, and in the future, the welfare of children is truly paramount and children are properly protected. My fellow panel member, Glenn Houston, and I are committed to delivering a thorough and conscientious response to its remit.”

She said she has issued restriction orders to “protect anonymity where appropriate” and is in the course of identifying and securing a suitable hearing venue for further investigations.

More members will be appointed to the inquiry team shortly.

Lady Smith added: “I would encourage anyone who is able to provide information about such abuse or about the places where it occurred or about those responsible for them, whether as victim, witness or otherwise, to come forward. Talk to us. We want to hear from you.”