Charles’ statement will say he was “deceived” by Ball and that he was unaware of the true nature of the clergyman’s behaviour until more than 20 years after allegations first surfaced, it was reported last week.
The statement is due to be read on July 27, as the inquiry examines how abuse allegations against the former Church of England bishop were handled.
Ball, jailed in 2015 for sexually abusing 18 young men over 30 years, previously boasted of his links to royalty and was said to be a confidant of Charles.
At the outset of a five-day case study into Ball, IICSA chairwoman Professor Alexis Jay said the leak was a “very serious breach of confidence by someone with direct access to information in this investigation” and promised “firm action” should the source be uncovered.
She said the inquiry panel was “disappointed” at the breach, describing it as something that “not only undermines the authority of the inquiry to get to the truth but can also erode public confidence in the inquiry at all levels”.
All core participants and those with access to the statement will be asked to confirm in writing whether they shared it with any unauthorised party, she added.
“I have already set in motion an investigation to identify the source of this leak and will take firm action to protect the integrity of the Inquiry should the source be identified,” said Prof Jay, who said the…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.