Gorst's character reference for Le Tocq questioned

The chief minister has been asked whether he knew beforehand that Senator Ian Gorst had given a character reference to former Guernsey Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq.

Le Tocq was jailed for nine years for creating indecent images of children, with Gorst's reference being heard at Le Tocq's sentencing.

Deputy Montfort Tadier asked Chief Minister Designate Lyndon Farnham if he knew beforehand Gorst was going to give the reference, to which Farnham said he did not.

Gorst, who was external relations minister when he gave the reference, told the BBC: "Earlier this year, I was asked to provide a short, factual statement reflecting on the time he was my counterpart in the Guernsey government."

Tadier and Farnham's exchange took place on Friday as Farnham faced an hour of questioning from politicians before he formally became chief minister designate.

Tadier said: "In electing a chief minister, we don't want to just hear about policies. We want to know that that person has sound political judgement.

"So, my question relates to that issue and our ongoing commitment to which we all aspire to which is to keep our children safe.

"Could I ask the chief minister that a few months ago, when his external relations minister decided to provide a character reference for the Guernsey paedophile Jonathan Le Tocq when he had already pleaded guilty to those offences, did the external relations minister discuss that with the chief minister in advance?"

Farnham replied: "No, sir, he didn't discuss it with me in advance, and I'm not aware of the timeline or the rational behind it.

"That would have to be a question for Senator Gorst."

It was first reported in January Gorst had made the reference for Le Tocq.

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