A top lawyer leading a new public inquiry into alleged historic links between an ex-mayor of Islington and a pro-paedophile group today appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Islington Council set up the probe, following exclusive revelations in the Gazette in May last year, to explore evidence about ex-councillor Sandy Marks’ past links with a group called Fallen Angels in 1980.
Ms Marks served as a councillor for many years and chaired the social services committee between 1991 and 1995. A horrific abuse scandal involving the rape and assault of children at Islington’s care homes was exposed in the Evening Standard in 1992.
Ms Marks has called evidence linking her to Fallen Angels “untrue and unfounded” and denies any wrongdoing.
Sarah Morgan QC officially opened the inquiry last week and has appealed for anyone with information to contact her by February 28.
She said: “I would very much like to hear from anyone who believes they have information to contribute to this independent review.
“That contribution may either be something relevant that you have within your own personal experience or it might be something that you have as a document, photograph or other record.”
The council has asked the top lawyer to investigate the nature and extent of Ms Marks’ involvement with the Fallen Angels, a group whose abhorrent views included campaigning to legalise sex with children.
The inquiry will also consider what impact, if any, this had on the way Ms Marks carried out her duties on the social services committee from 1983 to 1995, and whether she had any knowledge of abuse allegations in Islington-run kids’ homes prior to the scandal being made public by the Evening Standard in 1992.
Ms Morgan said: “It would be helpful if you set out in any contribution what it is that you wish to tell me and why you think it will help me answer the questions above.”
The leading QC will look at evidence covering the period 1979 to 1995.
She has confirmed information received by post or email will be held securely in locked cabinets in a room which only she and Lucy Sprinz, a lawyer assisting on the inquiry, will have access to.
The QC has asked people to state clearly if they would like information to be treated confidentially, although she says she cannot guarantee this in all cases, and to include contact details.
To contribute information, send an email to info@2018review.org.uk or a letter to Sarah Morgan QC, Room G10, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here