Legal News
Cunard Crewman Questioned Over Child Abuse Allegations (25 January 2012)
Date: 25/01/2012
A Cunard cruise ship worker is currently the subject of police investigations after he was accused of indecently assaulting child passengers. The crewmember allegedly abused children on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth vessels over a five-year period. Detectives began their investigation after receiving a tip-off, believed to derive from the parents of one of the abused children. Wiltshire police officers, where the anonymous crewmember resides, have contacted parents across various parts of Britain, requesting that they consent to an interview. Cunard has also requested the children’s charity, the NSPCC, to consult with worried parents and children who may need counselling and advice. At present, the crewmember at the centre of the allegations has not been arrested or charged. However, police sources have confirmed that the police have interviewed the man, who left the cruise ship before the police investigation began. Detectives are believed to have examined the man’s photographic and IT equipment.
Cunard officials have launched their own investigation into the allegations. Company managers are believed to be undertaking a review of Cunard’s vetting procedures, which are conducted on every cruise ship worker applicant. The investigation includes obtaining criminal-record checks. Cunard has refused to reveal the role that the former cruise ship worker had occupied on its ships. However, it is known that he occupied a low-ranking position and had frequent, close contact with the families on board the ship. A spokesperson for Cunard told of how the company was “deeply shocked” at the allegations.
Parents and guardians who are concerned about the welfare of a child are advised to contact Duncan Lewis’ childcare law solicitors.