But owing to the confidential terms of the agreement reached they will never know the sum at which the bill was finally agreed, they were told by Procureur du Bien Public Clive Barton who instigated the inquiry and carried out the negotiations.Just 12 people out of the 35 who attended the parish assembly last night stayed to vote for the last item on the agenda which was a call led by Chris Whitworth for a public inquiry into the matter.They voted by nine votes to three against a committee of inquiry.The issue arose after the parish paid Carey Olsen £150,000 for the defence of former Constable Bob Le Brocq and Chef de Police Ted Gallichan in relation to the Roger Holland affair.After that bill had been paid a legal costs expert described it as having been a case of ‘gross’ overcharging.Last night, Mr Whitworth told the meeting there were so many questions arising from the issue which needed answering.
These included whether a conflict of interest had arisen at any time in respect of Carey Olsen and any paid or honorary officer employed by the parish or elected to office for the parish, had a direct or indirect control in the matter.Why had the parish continued to pay the bills submitted by the firm when fees charged had exceeded the parish’s level of legal insurance cover which had a £50,000 ceiling?In his view, a committee of inquiry would offer a fresh start and an independent and objective scrutiny of an administration which had so far failed to deliver open and transparent practice.Mr Barton told the meeting that an agreement had been reached between Carey Olsen and the parish in relation to the legal fees charged for its representation of the two former parish officers.
The terms of that agreement were confidential, he announced.He said: ‘I am a sworn officer of this parish and have taken an oath before the Royal Court whereby I have undertaken to look after the parish’s interests to the best of my ability.
I can assure you that I, together with the Constable and my fellow Procureur, acting in the best interests of the parish are satisfied with the agreement reached.’
