The investigation into the possible sexual abuse of minors by a former top civil servant is being widened, a spokesman for the public prosecution department told television current affairs show Brandpunt.

Claims of abuse made by witnesses during ongoing court hearings into Joris Demmink will be looked into in more detail, spokesman Wim de Bruin told the programme. ‘In a sex crime case, you look into every lead,’ he said.

This means the investigation will not only focus on claims made by two Turkish men but also complaints made by Demmink’s drivers, Nos says.

The investigation is expected to take a year and will be completed in early 2015.

Evidence

The court is hearing statements in a civil case against Demmink brought by a foundation which wants to collect evidence against the former justice ministry chief who retired last year. Demmink has been dogged by child abuse claims for years.

Successive ministers have defended Demmink against the claims.