Together: Jaconelli and Ted Heath as council says sorry over sex crimes they swept under carpet

A PUBLIC apology has been issued to victims of former Scarborough mayor Peter Jaconelli by council bosses who admitted his crimes had been “swept under the carpet”.
Peter Jaconelli and Edward Heath shake hands on a prime ministerial visit to ScarboroughPeter Jaconelli and Edward Heath shake hands on a prime ministerial visit to Scarborough
Peter Jaconelli and Edward Heath shake hands on a prime ministerial visit to Scarborough

A police investigation into ice cream boss Jaconelli, a friend of shamed Leeds-born DJ Jimmy Savile who died aged 73 in 1999, revealed last year that he would have faced a string of charges if he was still alive.

Jaconelli and Savile were suspected of being involved in the abuse of 35 young victims as part of a paedophile ring operating in the seaside town but cheated justice.

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After facing calls to issue an apology, North Yorkshire County Council leader Carl Les said this week: “I have every sympathy with all those affected by abuse. I extend my deepest sympathies to adults who were the victims of abuse in their childhood and I admire their courage and determination in ensuring that historic allegations are not simply swept under the carpet but are highlighted and investigated.

“I am sorry for the hurt that has been caused to the victims, survivors and their families.

“I am aware of the statements made by the police concerning Peter Jaconelli and that they have received details of a number of alleged offences over a period of years.

“Whilst he is not alive today to face the full force of the legal process, I regret if there is evidence to show that he was not a fit and proper person to be a County Councillor.

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“We regret the impact on all those affected and can assure them that should they still want to make any disclosures, support will be provided to them and they will be listened to seriously and with sympathy.”

Jaconelli was pictured with Prime Minister Ted Heath in the early 70s during a prime ministerial visit to Scarborough.