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13 Aug 2018

British lawyer accused of child abuse dies before police can question him

Social Affairs Editor and Presenter

He was a prominent barrister and Christian leader, accused of brutally beating young boys, all in the name of religion. John Smyth is said to have groomed the boys at Christian holiday camps.

In an investigation by this programme it was revealed a report had been drawn up into the alleged abuse in 1982, but not passed on to the police. Victims have waited decades for justice, but he died at his home in South Africa at the weekend.

Just last week Hampshire Constabulary, which is leading the investigation into the case, revealed they were ready to question John Smyth. So where does this leave those affected?