Deputy urged to quit over child image convictions

Guernsey's most senior politician has called on Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq to resign after he admitted creating thousands of indecent images of children.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy and Resources Committee, said the situation was "highly unusual" and "particularly shocking".

"I was as shocked as everyone else," she said. "But I think what is important is how we react. We've got no control over the actions of individuals, but we can shape and influence how we respond."

Le Tocq, a former chief minister, pleaded guilty in Guernsey's Royal Court to 15 charges, including making more than 2,400 indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornography and sending indecent messages.

He is due to be sentenced in January.

Le Tocq was arrested in July and stepped down from the island's top political committee in September, but he remains a States member and continues to receive his salary.

De Sausmarez said she believed Le Tocq should quit immediately.

She said: "I strongly, strongly encourage Jonathan to consider submitting his resignation as I think that would be the most appropriate course of action."

If Le Tocq refuses to resign, after sentencing law officers could remove him through a petition that would need to be approved by the bailiff

He finished ninth in June's general election after receiving 8,002 votes and was nominated to be the island's most senior politician, but was not elected to the role in July.

De Sausmarez said in a statement on Thursday earlier that Le Tocq's guilty plea had "deepened my heartbreak and empathy for his victims".

She said her thoughts remained with them and all others affected by Le Tocq's actions, including family and church members.

De Sausmarez said details that have emerged of "these heinous crimes" had shocked her and many others "to the core".

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