Searches Find No Record of Epstein Staying at Hillsborough Castle
Comprehensive searches of records have uncovered no information indicating that Jeffrey Epstein ever stayed at Hillsborough Castle, according to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
This statement follows a call for a "full review" by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Carla Lockhart, who asserted that the late convicted paedophile visited the Castle on at least one occasion.
In a letter addressed to Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows, Benn also stated that there is no evidence suggesting Epstein had any contact with Lord Mandelson during his tenure as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from October 1999 until January 2001.
The former Labour minister was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation.
Details from the Secretary of State's Letter
In his letter to Burrows, the Secretary of State explained the extent of the searches conducted:
"Following your request, officials have carried out comprehensive searches of all records held by the Department, including those covering Lord Mandelson's time as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (October 1999 - January 2001). This has included carrying out electronic searches as well as reviewing physical files from the time."
The letter further stated:
"As a result of these searches we have not identified any information to indicate that Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein had any official contact during the period October 1999 - January 2001. Additionally, the Department holds no information that indicates that Jeffrey Epstein ever visited or stayed at Hillsborough Castle."
Information Retention and Visitor Records
However, the letter also noted the Department's information retention policy, which maintains data only as long as necessary for business, legal, regulatory, and accountability purposes.
"Visits records were therefore disposed of after three to six years," the letter explained.
It added that visits by significant individuals to Hillsborough Castle are recorded in official visitors' books, which are retained for a longer period. These books were searched for any record of Jeffrey Epstein visiting the Castle, but no reference was found.
Government Cooperation with Investigations
The letter concluded with a statement regarding the UK Government's stance on the ongoing investigations:
"The UK Government has firmly stated it will cooperate fully with all police investigations on this matter."
