Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

By Diane Simon

THE excavation of Haut de la Garenne was a complete waste of public money, time and effort, the senior police officer who led the historical abuse inquiry for the past year has said.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell, who left the Island yesterday when his contract ended, told the JEP that there was no justification for the police excavating at Haut de la Garenne as part of the abuse inquiry.

Mr Gradwell said that there had been no hard evidence or intelligence indicating that such a search should take place.

Until that decision was made, the inquiry, led by his predecessor, deputy police chief Lenny Harper, had been run more along UK policy lines, he said.

Mr Gradwell said that once the excavation was begun, things started to go wrong and he was left with a ‘poorly managed mess’ to sort out.

Article posted on 29th August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

By Diane Simon

THE excavation of Haut de la Garenne was a complete waste of public money, time and effort, the senior police officer who led the historical abuse inquiry for the past year has said.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell, who left the Island yesterday when his contract ended, told the JEP that there was no justification for the police excavating at Haut de la Garenne as part of the abuse inquiry.

Mr Gradwell said that there had been no hard evidence or intelligence indicating that such a search should take place.

Until that decision was made, the inquiry, led by his predecessor, deputy police chief Lenny Harper, had been run more along UK policy lines, he said.

Mr Gradwell said that once the excavation was begun, things started to go wrong and he was left with a ‘poorly managed mess’ to sort out.

Article posted on 29th August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

By Diane Simon

THE excavation of Haut de la Garenne was a complete waste of public money, time and effort, the senior police officer who led the historical abuse inquiry for the past year has said.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell, who left the Island yesterday when his contract ended, told the JEP that there was no justification for the police excavating at Haut de la Garenne as part of the abuse inquiry.

Mr Gradwell said that there had been no hard evidence or intelligence indicating that such a search should take place.

Until that decision was made, the inquiry, led by his predecessor, deputy police chief Lenny Harper, had been run more along UK policy lines, he said.

Mr Gradwell said that once the excavation was begun, things started to go wrong and he was left with a ‘poorly managed mess’ to sort out.

Article posted on 29th August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

By Diane Simon

THE excavation of Haut de la Garenne was a complete waste of public money, time and effort, the senior police officer who led the historical abuse inquiry for the past year has said.

Det Supt Mick Gradwell, who left the Island yesterday when his contract ended, told the JEP that there was no justification for the police excavating at Haut de la Garenne as part of the abuse inquiry.

Mr Gradwell said that there had been no hard evidence or intelligence indicating that such a search should take place.

Until that decision was made, the inquiry, led by his predecessor, deputy police chief Lenny Harper, had been run more along UK policy lines, he said.

Mr Gradwell said that once the excavation was begun, things started to go wrong and he was left with a ‘poorly managed mess’ to sort out.

Article posted on 29th August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Haut de la Garenne dig was ‘waste of time’

Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

By Jo Hutchison

SENATOR Stuart Syvret wants to call the Attorney General as a witness in his abuse of process hearing, which he says centres on a ‘criminal conspiracy against him’.

Yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court the politician said that he wanted to call William Bailhache to the dock as well as suspended police chief Graham Power and psychiatrist Dr Gill Blackwood. He also wants to call his partner, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey, as a witness.

Senator Syvret (43) is charged with driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He denies both offences. He also faces two charges under the Data Protection Law relating to material published on his internet blog.

The Senator is arguing that there has been an abuse of process leading up to the charges against him and yesterday he was in court to list the witnesses he intends to call to a hearing on 19 October.

Article posted on 28th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

By Jo Hutchison

SENATOR Stuart Syvret wants to call the Attorney General as a witness in his abuse of process hearing, which he says centres on a ‘criminal conspiracy against him’.

Yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court the politician said that he wanted to call William Bailhache to the dock as well as suspended police chief Graham Power and psychiatrist Dr Gill Blackwood. He also wants to call his partner, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey, as a witness.

Senator Syvret (43) is charged with driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He denies both offences. He also faces two charges under the Data Protection Law relating to material published on his internet blog.

The Senator is arguing that there has been an abuse of process leading up to the charges against him and yesterday he was in court to list the witnesses he intends to call to a hearing on 19 October.

Article posted on 28th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

By Jo Hutchison

SENATOR Stuart Syvret wants to call the Attorney General as a witness in his abuse of process hearing, which he says centres on a ‘criminal conspiracy against him’.

Yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court the politician said that he wanted to call William Bailhache to the dock as well as suspended police chief Graham Power and psychiatrist Dr Gill Blackwood. He also wants to call his partner, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey, as a witness.

Senator Syvret (43) is charged with driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He denies both offences. He also faces two charges under the Data Protection Law relating to material published on his internet blog.

The Senator is arguing that there has been an abuse of process leading up to the charges against him and yesterday he was in court to list the witnesses he intends to call to a hearing on 19 October.

Article posted on 28th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

By Jo Hutchison

SENATOR Stuart Syvret wants to call the Attorney General as a witness in his abuse of process hearing, which he says centres on a ‘criminal conspiracy against him’.

Yesterday in the Magistrate’s Court the politician said that he wanted to call William Bailhache to the dock as well as suspended police chief Graham Power and psychiatrist Dr Gill Blackwood. He also wants to call his partner, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey, as a witness.

Senator Syvret (43) is charged with driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He denies both offences. He also faces two charges under the Data Protection Law relating to material published on his internet blog.

The Senator is arguing that there has been an abuse of process leading up to the charges against him and yesterday he was in court to list the witnesses he intends to call to a hearing on 19 October.

Article posted on 28th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Syvret wants to call A-G as his witness

‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

SENATOR Stuart Syvret has vowed that he would rather go to jail and forfeit his seat in the States than pay a penny in legal costs after losing a Royal Court action.

As reported yesterday, the Senator is facing a large bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the Attorney General resulting from his failed bid to convince the Royal Court that he could not get a fair trial in Jersey.

Senator Syvret said: ‘They always wanted me out of politics and sending me to jail for telling the truth would be quite an apposite way to sign off.’

Under Island law, a States Member must stand down if sentenced to a prison term of more than three months and when there was no option of paying a fine.

Senator Syvret is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to answer four charges. He is accused of driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He is also charged with offences under the data protection law.

Article posted on 26th August, 2009 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

SENATOR Stuart Syvret has vowed that he would rather go to jail and forfeit his seat in the States than pay a penny in legal costs after losing a Royal Court action.

As reported yesterday, the Senator is facing a large bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the Attorney General resulting from his failed bid to convince the Royal Court that he could not get a fair trial in Jersey.

Senator Syvret said: ‘They always wanted me out of politics and sending me to jail for telling the truth would be quite an apposite way to sign off.’

Under Island law, a States Member must stand down if sentenced to a prison term of more than three months and when there was no option of paying a fine.

Senator Syvret is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to answer four charges. He is accused of driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He is also charged with offences under the data protection law.

Article posted on 26th August, 2009 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

SENATOR Stuart Syvret has vowed that he would rather go to jail and forfeit his seat in the States than pay a penny in legal costs after losing a Royal Court action.

As reported yesterday, the Senator is facing a large bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the Attorney General resulting from his failed bid to convince the Royal Court that he could not get a fair trial in Jersey.

Senator Syvret said: ‘They always wanted me out of politics and sending me to jail for telling the truth would be quite an apposite way to sign off.’

Under Island law, a States Member must stand down if sentenced to a prison term of more than three months and when there was no option of paying a fine.

Senator Syvret is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to answer four charges. He is accused of driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He is also charged with offences under the data protection law.

Article posted on 26th August, 2009 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

SENATOR Stuart Syvret has vowed that he would rather go to jail and forfeit his seat in the States than pay a penny in legal costs after losing a Royal Court action.

As reported yesterday, the Senator is facing a large bill after being ordered to pay the legal costs of the Attorney General resulting from his failed bid to convince the Royal Court that he could not get a fair trial in Jersey.

Senator Syvret said: ‘They always wanted me out of politics and sending me to jail for telling the truth would be quite an apposite way to sign off.’

Under Island law, a States Member must stand down if sentenced to a prison term of more than three months and when there was no option of paying a fine.

Senator Syvret is due to appear in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to answer four charges. He is accused of driving without a licence and failing to notify the relevant authorities of a change of address. He is also charged with offences under the data protection law.

Article posted on 26th August, 2009 - 2.58pm
‘I’ll go to jail before I pay them a penny’

Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

I thought some further light should be brought upon Mario Lundy and questions asked about his conduct and that of those who continue to protect him..again
Q: Cover-up-Jersey

By Ciaran McGuigan

From Sunday, 9 November 2008

Belfast man’s role as Jersey director of education called into questionThe Ulsterman who heads Jersey’s education system has faced a call for his suspension while a major police investigation into widespread abuse in children’s homes on the island continues.

Belfast-born Mario Lundy, the island’s director of education, faced the call from the floor of the States of Jersey, the island’s parliament, during a bad-tempered parliamentary questions session.

Mr Lundy is one of a string of leading figures in Jersey to have links with the so-called ‘House of Horrors’, Haut de la Garenne, having worked there for a period before it closed. He strenuously denies any suggestion of wrongdoing.

The former teacher also worked at its successor, Les Chenes, where further allegations of physical abuse against staff members are being examined by the probe.

Police continue to investigate claims by more than 160 former residents of Jersey’s children’s homes about decades of abuse — both physical and sexual — stretching from the 1960s until Haut de la Garenne was closed in 1986, at its successor Les Chenes and a number of other children’s facilities.

During their probe launched earlier this year, cops uncovered four underground cellars at Haut de la Garenne, believed to have been used as makeshift dungeons during the home’s grim past. Former residents of the home described them as “punishment rooms” where they were subjected to physical abuse.

Remains believed to have belong to five children aged between four and 11-years-old were also discovered.

Earlier this year the island’s Channel TV revealed the links of a number of Jersey’s most-respected figures with the Haut de la Garenne home, including current education director Mr Lundy. The former teacher — who was raised in the Rosetta area of Belfast and is a former pupil of St Mary's CBS — worked there for a period in the 1980s before moving to Les Chenes.

He is now Jersey’s education minister’s chief advisor.

During the Jersey parliament’s last questions, Senator Stuart Syvret said that it was “totally inappropriate” for the Belfast man to remain at work while the investigation is ongoing.

Senator Syvret is the island’s former health minister, who was removed from that post in September last year after he blew the whistle on a harsh punishment regime in a home where children as young as 11 were kept in solitary confinement.

He has been an outspoken critic of ministers, civil servants and social workers, whom he has accused of failing to protect children, but he was dismissed in September last year after losing a vote of confidence in Jersey’s parliament.

Mr Syvret, under parliamentary privilege, asked Chief Minister Frank Walker: “In the event of a very senior States employee being under serious police investigation for repeated episodes of violent child abuse, would the chief minister consider that to be a sufficiently serious matter and of sufficient reputational risk for the States of Jersey to at least merit suspension?”

Later in the debate he asked: “Does the chief minister really not consider, given the seriousness of the issue and the nature of the investigations that are taking place, that it is wholly inappropriate for Mario Lundy, the chief officer of the education department to remain at work?”

Senator Walker replied: “I need not answer the question, but may I express my abhorrence at the question and the fact that the senator has yet again flagrantly and knowingly broken the rules of this Assembly.”

Sunday Life last week contacted Mr Lundy’s office for comment on the call for his suspension, but a spokeswoman for the island’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture said: “I am afraid we cannot speak on individual cases and Mario is not giving interviews himself.”

From Sunday, 9 November 2008
Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

I thought some further light should be brought upon Mario Lundy and questions asked about his conduct and that of those who continue to protect him..again
Q: Cover-up-Jersey

By Ciaran McGuigan

From Sunday, 9 November 2008

Belfast man’s role as Jersey director of education called into questionThe Ulsterman who heads Jersey’s education system has faced a call for his suspension while a major police investigation into widespread abuse in children’s homes on the island continues.

Belfast-born Mario Lundy, the island’s director of education, faced the call from the floor of the States of Jersey, the island’s parliament, during a bad-tempered parliamentary questions session.

Mr Lundy is one of a string of leading figures in Jersey to have links with the so-called ‘House of Horrors’, Haut de la Garenne, having worked there for a period before it closed. He strenuously denies any suggestion of wrongdoing.

The former teacher also worked at its successor, Les Chenes, where further allegations of physical abuse against staff members are being examined by the probe.

Police continue to investigate claims by more than 160 former residents of Jersey’s children’s homes about decades of abuse — both physical and sexual — stretching from the 1960s until Haut de la Garenne was closed in 1986, at its successor Les Chenes and a number of other children’s facilities.

During their probe launched earlier this year, cops uncovered four underground cellars at Haut de la Garenne, believed to have been used as makeshift dungeons during the home’s grim past. Former residents of the home described them as “punishment rooms” where they were subjected to physical abuse.

Remains believed to have belong to five children aged between four and 11-years-old were also discovered.

Earlier this year the island’s Channel TV revealed the links of a number of Jersey’s most-respected figures with the Haut de la Garenne home, including current education director Mr Lundy. The former teacher — who was raised in the Rosetta area of Belfast and is a former pupil of St Mary's CBS — worked there for a period in the 1980s before moving to Les Chenes.

He is now Jersey’s education minister’s chief advisor.

During the Jersey parliament’s last questions, Senator Stuart Syvret said that it was “totally inappropriate” for the Belfast man to remain at work while the investigation is ongoing.

Senator Syvret is the island’s former health minister, who was removed from that post in September last year after he blew the whistle on a harsh punishment regime in a home where children as young as 11 were kept in solitary confinement.

He has been an outspoken critic of ministers, civil servants and social workers, whom he has accused of failing to protect children, but he was dismissed in September last year after losing a vote of confidence in Jersey’s parliament.

Mr Syvret, under parliamentary privilege, asked Chief Minister Frank Walker: “In the event of a very senior States employee being under serious police investigation for repeated episodes of violent child abuse, would the chief minister consider that to be a sufficiently serious matter and of sufficient reputational risk for the States of Jersey to at least merit suspension?”

Later in the debate he asked: “Does the chief minister really not consider, given the seriousness of the issue and the nature of the investigations that are taking place, that it is wholly inappropriate for Mario Lundy, the chief officer of the education department to remain at work?”

Senator Walker replied: “I need not answer the question, but may I express my abhorrence at the question and the fact that the senator has yet again flagrantly and knowingly broken the rules of this Assembly.”

Sunday Life last week contacted Mr Lundy’s office for comment on the call for his suspension, but a spokeswoman for the island’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture said: “I am afraid we cannot speak on individual cases and Mario is not giving interviews himself.”

From Sunday, 9 November 2008
Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

I thought some further light should be brought upon Mario Lundy and questions asked about his conduct and that of those who continue to protect him..again
Q: Cover-up-Jersey

By Ciaran McGuigan

From Sunday, 9 November 2008

Belfast man’s role as Jersey director of education called into questionThe Ulsterman who heads Jersey’s education system has faced a call for his suspension while a major police investigation into widespread abuse in children’s homes on the island continues.

Belfast-born Mario Lundy, the island’s director of education, faced the call from the floor of the States of Jersey, the island’s parliament, during a bad-tempered parliamentary questions session.

Mr Lundy is one of a string of leading figures in Jersey to have links with the so-called ‘House of Horrors’, Haut de la Garenne, having worked there for a period before it closed. He strenuously denies any suggestion of wrongdoing.

The former teacher also worked at its successor, Les Chenes, where further allegations of physical abuse against staff members are being examined by the probe.

Police continue to investigate claims by more than 160 former residents of Jersey’s children’s homes about decades of abuse — both physical and sexual — stretching from the 1960s until Haut de la Garenne was closed in 1986, at its successor Les Chenes and a number of other children’s facilities.

During their probe launched earlier this year, cops uncovered four underground cellars at Haut de la Garenne, believed to have been used as makeshift dungeons during the home’s grim past. Former residents of the home described them as “punishment rooms” where they were subjected to physical abuse.

Remains believed to have belong to five children aged between four and 11-years-old were also discovered.

Earlier this year the island’s Channel TV revealed the links of a number of Jersey’s most-respected figures with the Haut de la Garenne home, including current education director Mr Lundy. The former teacher — who was raised in the Rosetta area of Belfast and is a former pupil of St Mary's CBS — worked there for a period in the 1980s before moving to Les Chenes.

He is now Jersey’s education minister’s chief advisor.

During the Jersey parliament’s last questions, Senator Stuart Syvret said that it was “totally inappropriate” for the Belfast man to remain at work while the investigation is ongoing.

Senator Syvret is the island’s former health minister, who was removed from that post in September last year after he blew the whistle on a harsh punishment regime in a home where children as young as 11 were kept in solitary confinement.

He has been an outspoken critic of ministers, civil servants and social workers, whom he has accused of failing to protect children, but he was dismissed in September last year after losing a vote of confidence in Jersey’s parliament.

Mr Syvret, under parliamentary privilege, asked Chief Minister Frank Walker: “In the event of a very senior States employee being under serious police investigation for repeated episodes of violent child abuse, would the chief minister consider that to be a sufficiently serious matter and of sufficient reputational risk for the States of Jersey to at least merit suspension?”

Later in the debate he asked: “Does the chief minister really not consider, given the seriousness of the issue and the nature of the investigations that are taking place, that it is wholly inappropriate for Mario Lundy, the chief officer of the education department to remain at work?”

Senator Walker replied: “I need not answer the question, but may I express my abhorrence at the question and the fact that the senator has yet again flagrantly and knowingly broken the rules of this Assembly.”

Sunday Life last week contacted Mr Lundy’s office for comment on the call for his suspension, but a spokeswoman for the island’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture said: “I am afraid we cannot speak on individual cases and Mario is not giving interviews himself.”

From Sunday, 9 November 2008
Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

I thought some further light should be brought upon Mario Lundy and questions asked about his conduct and that of those who continue to protect him..again
Q: Cover-up-Jersey

By Ciaran McGuigan

From Sunday, 9 November 2008

Belfast man’s role as Jersey director of education called into questionThe Ulsterman who heads Jersey’s education system has faced a call for his suspension while a major police investigation into widespread abuse in children’s homes on the island continues.

Belfast-born Mario Lundy, the island’s director of education, faced the call from the floor of the States of Jersey, the island’s parliament, during a bad-tempered parliamentary questions session.

Mr Lundy is one of a string of leading figures in Jersey to have links with the so-called ‘House of Horrors’, Haut de la Garenne, having worked there for a period before it closed. He strenuously denies any suggestion of wrongdoing.

The former teacher also worked at its successor, Les Chenes, where further allegations of physical abuse against staff members are being examined by the probe.

Police continue to investigate claims by more than 160 former residents of Jersey’s children’s homes about decades of abuse — both physical and sexual — stretching from the 1960s until Haut de la Garenne was closed in 1986, at its successor Les Chenes and a number of other children’s facilities.

During their probe launched earlier this year, cops uncovered four underground cellars at Haut de la Garenne, believed to have been used as makeshift dungeons during the home’s grim past. Former residents of the home described them as “punishment rooms” where they were subjected to physical abuse.

Remains believed to have belong to five children aged between four and 11-years-old were also discovered.

Earlier this year the island’s Channel TV revealed the links of a number of Jersey’s most-respected figures with the Haut de la Garenne home, including current education director Mr Lundy. The former teacher — who was raised in the Rosetta area of Belfast and is a former pupil of St Mary's CBS — worked there for a period in the 1980s before moving to Les Chenes.

He is now Jersey’s education minister’s chief advisor.

During the Jersey parliament’s last questions, Senator Stuart Syvret said that it was “totally inappropriate” for the Belfast man to remain at work while the investigation is ongoing.

Senator Syvret is the island’s former health minister, who was removed from that post in September last year after he blew the whistle on a harsh punishment regime in a home where children as young as 11 were kept in solitary confinement.

He has been an outspoken critic of ministers, civil servants and social workers, whom he has accused of failing to protect children, but he was dismissed in September last year after losing a vote of confidence in Jersey’s parliament.

Mr Syvret, under parliamentary privilege, asked Chief Minister Frank Walker: “In the event of a very senior States employee being under serious police investigation for repeated episodes of violent child abuse, would the chief minister consider that to be a sufficiently serious matter and of sufficient reputational risk for the States of Jersey to at least merit suspension?”

Later in the debate he asked: “Does the chief minister really not consider, given the seriousness of the issue and the nature of the investigations that are taking place, that it is wholly inappropriate for Mario Lundy, the chief officer of the education department to remain at work?”

Senator Walker replied: “I need not answer the question, but may I express my abhorrence at the question and the fact that the senator has yet again flagrantly and knowingly broken the rules of this Assembly.”

Sunday Life last week contacted Mr Lundy’s office for comment on the call for his suspension, but a spokeswoman for the island’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture said: “I am afraid we cannot speak on individual cases and Mario is not giving interviews himself.”

From Sunday, 9 November 2008
Lundy urged to stand down over abuse case

Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

By Diane Simon

THE Council of Ministers will be told next month what it is likely to cost the Island to complete the historical child abuse inquiry.

Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf is asking Home Affairs, Health and Social Services and the Law Officers department to give him a report of their latest estimates in relation to the inquiry so that he can present them to the Council of Ministers on 3 September.

The States have already agreed to requests for a total of £11.7 million from the Treasury on behalf of those departments for this purpose.

Senator Ozouf said that he wanted to have the latest estimates in order to advise the States and ensure that there were firm plans to provide the necessary resources to see the inquiry through to its completion.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

By Diane Simon

THE Council of Ministers will be told next month what it is likely to cost the Island to complete the historical child abuse inquiry.

Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf is asking Home Affairs, Health and Social Services and the Law Officers department to give him a report of their latest estimates in relation to the inquiry so that he can present them to the Council of Ministers on 3 September.

The States have already agreed to requests for a total of £11.7 million from the Treasury on behalf of those departments for this purpose.

Senator Ozouf said that he wanted to have the latest estimates in order to advise the States and ensure that there were firm plans to provide the necessary resources to see the inquiry through to its completion.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

By Diane Simon

THE Council of Ministers will be told next month what it is likely to cost the Island to complete the historical child abuse inquiry.

Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf is asking Home Affairs, Health and Social Services and the Law Officers department to give him a report of their latest estimates in relation to the inquiry so that he can present them to the Council of Ministers on 3 September.

The States have already agreed to requests for a total of £11.7 million from the Treasury on behalf of those departments for this purpose.

Senator Ozouf said that he wanted to have the latest estimates in order to advise the States and ensure that there were firm plans to provide the necessary resources to see the inquiry through to its completion.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

By Diane Simon

THE Council of Ministers will be told next month what it is likely to cost the Island to complete the historical child abuse inquiry.

Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf is asking Home Affairs, Health and Social Services and the Law Officers department to give him a report of their latest estimates in relation to the inquiry so that he can present them to the Council of Ministers on 3 September.

The States have already agreed to requests for a total of £11.7 million from the Treasury on behalf of those departments for this purpose.

Senator Ozouf said that he wanted to have the latest estimates in order to advise the States and ensure that there were firm plans to provide the necessary resources to see the inquiry through to its completion.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Historial abuse inquiry costs to be revealed

Internet child abuse warning

JERSEY’S acting police chief is warning parents to get more involved with what their children are doing online.

David Warcup said that children are at risk of being exploited by paedophiles on the internet unless their parents are more aware of what they are doing.

He has issued his warning following the release of the States police’s half-yearly figures, which show that child abuse referrals have increased by 260 per cent in two years.

The figures recently released by the States police show an increase of 65 child abuse referrals in 2007 to 234 for the first six months of this year.

The referrals relate to the physical and sexual abuse of minors and child neglect.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 4.32pm
Internet child abuse warning

Internet child abuse warning

JERSEY’S acting police chief is warning parents to get more involved with what their children are doing online.

David Warcup said that children are at risk of being exploited by paedophiles on the internet unless their parents are more aware of what they are doing.

He has issued his warning following the release of the States police’s half-yearly figures, which show that child abuse referrals have increased by 260 per cent in two years.

The figures recently released by the States police show an increase of 65 child abuse referrals in 2007 to 234 for the first six months of this year.

The referrals relate to the physical and sexual abuse of minors and child neglect.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 4.32pm
Internet child abuse warning

Internet child abuse warning

JERSEY’S acting police chief is warning parents to get more involved with what their children are doing online.

David Warcup said that children are at risk of being exploited by paedophiles on the internet unless their parents are more aware of what they are doing.

He has issued his warning following the release of the States police’s half-yearly figures, which show that child abuse referrals have increased by 260 per cent in two years.

The figures recently released by the States police show an increase of 65 child abuse referrals in 2007 to 234 for the first six months of this year.

The referrals relate to the physical and sexual abuse of minors and child neglect.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 4.32pm
Internet child abuse warning

Internet child abuse warning

JERSEY’S acting police chief is warning parents to get more involved with what their children are doing online.

David Warcup said that children are at risk of being exploited by paedophiles on the internet unless their parents are more aware of what they are doing.

He has issued his warning following the release of the States police’s half-yearly figures, which show that child abuse referrals have increased by 260 per cent in two years.

The figures recently released by the States police show an increase of 65 child abuse referrals in 2007 to 234 for the first six months of this year.

The referrals relate to the physical and sexual abuse of minors and child neglect.

Article posted on 25th August, 2009 - 4.32pm
Internet child abuse warning

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

By Andy Sibcy

A UK judge has rejected claims by Senator Stuart Syvret that he cannot receive a fair trial in Jersey.

Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker has described the Senator’s attempt to have his traffic offences case heard by English courts as ‘frivolous and fanciful’.

And he ordered Senator Syvret to pay the Attorney General’s costs for the hearing, rejecting his submissions that he had ‘no means’ and that making him pay costs was not in the public interest. It is not known how much Senator Syvret will have to pay.

Sir Richard’s published judgment concerns applications by Senator Syvret for both the Magistrate and the Commissioner to recuse themselves – withdraw – from the case on account of the allegation that they are biased against the defendant, Senator Syvret.

He is charged with two minor Motor Traffic Law offences which would normally be heard in the Magistrate’s Court only, but he has argued that he cannot get a fair hearing from any judge or magistrate appointed by the Bailiff.

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

By Andy Sibcy

A UK judge has rejected claims by Senator Stuart Syvret that he cannot receive a fair trial in Jersey.

Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker has described the Senator’s attempt to have his traffic offences case heard by English courts as ‘frivolous and fanciful’.

And he ordered Senator Syvret to pay the Attorney General’s costs for the hearing, rejecting his submissions that he had ‘no means’ and that making him pay costs was not in the public interest. It is not known how much Senator Syvret will have to pay.

Sir Richard’s published judgment concerns applications by Senator Syvret for both the Magistrate and the Commissioner to recuse themselves – withdraw – from the case on account of the allegation that they are biased against the defendant, Senator Syvret.

He is charged with two minor Motor Traffic Law offences which would normally be heard in the Magistrate’s Court only, but he has argued that he cannot get a fair hearing from any judge or magistrate appointed by the Bailiff.

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

By Andy Sibcy

A UK judge has rejected claims by Senator Stuart Syvret that he cannot receive a fair trial in Jersey.

Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker has described the Senator’s attempt to have his traffic offences case heard by English courts as ‘frivolous and fanciful’.

And he ordered Senator Syvret to pay the Attorney General’s costs for the hearing, rejecting his submissions that he had ‘no means’ and that making him pay costs was not in the public interest. It is not known how much Senator Syvret will have to pay.

Sir Richard’s published judgment concerns applications by Senator Syvret for both the Magistrate and the Commissioner to recuse themselves – withdraw – from the case on account of the allegation that they are biased against the defendant, Senator Syvret.

He is charged with two minor Motor Traffic Law offences which would normally be heard in the Magistrate’s Court only, but he has argued that he cannot get a fair hearing from any judge or magistrate appointed by the Bailiff.

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

By Andy Sibcy

A UK judge has rejected claims by Senator Stuart Syvret that he cannot receive a fair trial in Jersey.

Commissioner Sir Richard Tucker has described the Senator’s attempt to have his traffic offences case heard by English courts as ‘frivolous and fanciful’.

And he ordered Senator Syvret to pay the Attorney General’s costs for the hearing, rejecting his submissions that he had ‘no means’ and that making him pay costs was not in the public interest. It is not known how much Senator Syvret will have to pay.

Sir Richard’s published judgment concerns applications by Senator Syvret for both the Magistrate and the Commissioner to recuse themselves – withdraw – from the case on account of the allegation that they are biased against the defendant, Senator Syvret.

He is charged with two minor Motor Traffic Law offences which would normally be heard in the Magistrate’s Court only, but he has argued that he cannot get a fair hearing from any judge or magistrate appointed by the Bailiff.

Syvret ‘no fair trial’ claim is dismissed

Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

The effect on two victims of a man jailed for 15 years for five rapes was spelt out to the Royal Court yesterday.

Crown Advocate Stephen Baker read out victim impact statements from two women whose lives had been scarred by repeated abuse from Claude Donnelly.

As a result of two Assize trials earlier this year, Donnelly (69) was found guilty of 13 indecent assaults, five rapes and one of procuring an act of gross indecency, some of the offences dating back 40 years.

The 15-year sentence was imposed by the court despite Defence Advocate Mike Preston’s claim that his client would probably die in prison and his plea for mercy.

Crown Advocate Baker said that he was pleased that justice had been done, not least for the victims who had come forward and gone through a terribly traumatic experience.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.58pm
Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

The effect on two victims of a man jailed for 15 years for five rapes was spelt out to the Royal Court yesterday.

Crown Advocate Stephen Baker read out victim impact statements from two women whose lives had been scarred by repeated abuse from Claude Donnelly.

As a result of two Assize trials earlier this year, Donnelly (69) was found guilty of 13 indecent assaults, five rapes and one of procuring an act of gross indecency, some of the offences dating back 40 years.

The 15-year sentence was imposed by the court despite Defence Advocate Mike Preston’s claim that his client would probably die in prison and his plea for mercy.

Crown Advocate Baker said that he was pleased that justice had been done, not least for the victims who had come forward and gone through a terribly traumatic experience.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.58pm
Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

The effect on two victims of a man jailed for 15 years for five rapes was spelt out to the Royal Court yesterday.

Crown Advocate Stephen Baker read out victim impact statements from two women whose lives had been scarred by repeated abuse from Claude Donnelly.

As a result of two Assize trials earlier this year, Donnelly (69) was found guilty of 13 indecent assaults, five rapes and one of procuring an act of gross indecency, some of the offences dating back 40 years.

The 15-year sentence was imposed by the court despite Defence Advocate Mike Preston’s claim that his client would probably die in prison and his plea for mercy.

Crown Advocate Baker said that he was pleased that justice had been done, not least for the victims who had come forward and gone through a terribly traumatic experience.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.58pm
Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

The effect on two victims of a man jailed for 15 years for five rapes was spelt out to the Royal Court yesterday.

Crown Advocate Stephen Baker read out victim impact statements from two women whose lives had been scarred by repeated abuse from Claude Donnelly.

As a result of two Assize trials earlier this year, Donnelly (69) was found guilty of 13 indecent assaults, five rapes and one of procuring an act of gross indecency, some of the offences dating back 40 years.

The 15-year sentence was imposed by the court despite Defence Advocate Mike Preston’s claim that his client would probably die in prison and his plea for mercy.

Crown Advocate Baker said that he was pleased that justice had been done, not least for the victims who had come forward and gone through a terribly traumatic experience.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.58pm
Victim impact statements read to Royal Court

Harper refused order to return

By Diane Simon
FORMER deputy police chief Lenny Harper refused to return to Jersey when the Royal Court issued a summons for him to produce books containing police evidence allegedly in his possession.

Court hearings took place where an order was made for Mr Harper to attend and bring to the Island police day books which he was alleged to have kept after he retired. The summons was not enforcable in Scotland where Mr Harper lives, however.

Mr Harper refused to attend a court hearing in Jersey and denied having any day-books in his possession. He is believed to have said that he did not trust the Jersey authorities but would attend a UK court to give evidence.

Details of the alleged missing day books were revealed during a pre-trial hearing in which Advocate Mike Preston, who represented Gordon Wateridge and Claude Donnelly who were charged as part of the historical child abuse inquiry, submitted that they could not get a fair trial due to excessive publicity surrounding the case. Details of that hearing could not be published until the trials of those men had finished.

However, as Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers ruled that the day-books, if they did exist, would not affect a fair trial, their existence became irrelevant.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Harper refused order to return

Harper refused order to return

By Diane Simon
FORMER deputy police chief Lenny Harper refused to return to Jersey when the Royal Court issued a summons for him to produce books containing police evidence allegedly in his possession.

Court hearings took place where an order was made for Mr Harper to attend and bring to the Island police day books which he was alleged to have kept after he retired. The summons was not enforcable in Scotland where Mr Harper lives, however.

Mr Harper refused to attend a court hearing in Jersey and denied having any day-books in his possession. He is believed to have said that he did not trust the Jersey authorities but would attend a UK court to give evidence.

Details of the alleged missing day books were revealed during a pre-trial hearing in which Advocate Mike Preston, who represented Gordon Wateridge and Claude Donnelly who were charged as part of the historical child abuse inquiry, submitted that they could not get a fair trial due to excessive publicity surrounding the case. Details of that hearing could not be published until the trials of those men had finished.

However, as Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers ruled that the day-books, if they did exist, would not affect a fair trial, their existence became irrelevant.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Harper refused order to return

Harper refused order to return

By Diane Simon
FORMER deputy police chief Lenny Harper refused to return to Jersey when the Royal Court issued a summons for him to produce books containing police evidence allegedly in his possession.

Court hearings took place where an order was made for Mr Harper to attend and bring to the Island police day books which he was alleged to have kept after he retired. The summons was not enforcable in Scotland where Mr Harper lives, however.

Mr Harper refused to attend a court hearing in Jersey and denied having any day-books in his possession. He is believed to have said that he did not trust the Jersey authorities but would attend a UK court to give evidence.

Details of the alleged missing day books were revealed during a pre-trial hearing in which Advocate Mike Preston, who represented Gordon Wateridge and Claude Donnelly who were charged as part of the historical child abuse inquiry, submitted that they could not get a fair trial due to excessive publicity surrounding the case. Details of that hearing could not be published until the trials of those men had finished.

However, as Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers ruled that the day-books, if they did exist, would not affect a fair trial, their existence became irrelevant.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Harper refused order to return

Harper refused order to return

By Diane Simon
FORMER deputy police chief Lenny Harper refused to return to Jersey when the Royal Court issued a summons for him to produce books containing police evidence allegedly in his possession.

Court hearings took place where an order was made for Mr Harper to attend and bring to the Island police day books which he was alleged to have kept after he retired. The summons was not enforcable in Scotland where Mr Harper lives, however.

Mr Harper refused to attend a court hearing in Jersey and denied having any day-books in his possession. He is believed to have said that he did not trust the Jersey authorities but would attend a UK court to give evidence.

Details of the alleged missing day books were revealed during a pre-trial hearing in which Advocate Mike Preston, who represented Gordon Wateridge and Claude Donnelly who were charged as part of the historical child abuse inquiry, submitted that they could not get a fair trial due to excessive publicity surrounding the case. Details of that hearing could not be published until the trials of those men had finished.

However, as Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers ruled that the day-books, if they did exist, would not affect a fair trial, their existence became irrelevant.

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 3.00pm
Harper refused order to return

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

A SENIOR judge has branded former deputy Jersey police chief Lenny Harper’s media activities as he led the Haut de la Garenne investigation as ‘extraordinary’.

The international publicity generated by press conferences at the former children’s home ‘whipped up a frenzy of interest in … what turned out to be unfounded suggestions of multiple murders and torture in secret cellars under a building’, said Royal Court Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers as he rejected a pre-trial claim that men charged in the historical child abuse inquiry could not receive a fair trial because of the worldwide publicity.

It was also claimed that Mr Harper, who gave near-daily conferences while detectives and scientists dug for evidence at the St Martin home, had discussed a book deal and had meetings with a News of the World reporter.

Now retired and living in Scotland, Mr Harper has denied a claim that he was told by an archaeologist that a fragment of material found there and presented as ‘potential human remains’ predated the building.

It is claimed he was told this soon after it had been found.

Mr Harper said that it was ‘rubbish’ for the defence lawyers to have claimed that their clients would not get a fair trial.

‘None of the trials features any evidence about teeth or bones. Try and find a statement where these are mentioned,’ he said.

In his view, the judgment of the legal establishment seemed strangely at odds with how journalists remembered it

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.29pm

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

A SENIOR judge has branded former deputy Jersey police chief Lenny Harper’s media activities as he led the Haut de la Garenne investigation as ‘extraordinary’.

The international publicity generated by press conferences at the former children’s home ‘whipped up a frenzy of interest in … what turned out to be unfounded suggestions of multiple murders and torture in secret cellars under a building’, said Royal Court Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers as he rejected a pre-trial claim that men charged in the historical child abuse inquiry could not receive a fair trial because of the worldwide publicity.

It was also claimed that Mr Harper, who gave near-daily conferences while detectives and scientists dug for evidence at the St Martin home, had discussed a book deal and had meetings with a News of the World reporter.

Now retired and living in Scotland, Mr Harper has denied a claim that he was told by an archaeologist that a fragment of material found there and presented as ‘potential human remains’ predated the building.

It is claimed he was told this soon after it had been found.

Mr Harper said that it was ‘rubbish’ for the defence lawyers to have claimed that their clients would not get a fair trial.

‘None of the trials features any evidence about teeth or bones. Try and find a statement where these are mentioned,’ he said.

In his view, the judgment of the legal establishment seemed strangely at odds with how journalists remembered it

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.29pm

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

A SENIOR judge has branded former deputy Jersey police chief Lenny Harper’s media activities as he led the Haut de la Garenne investigation as ‘extraordinary’.

The international publicity generated by press conferences at the former children’s home ‘whipped up a frenzy of interest in … what turned out to be unfounded suggestions of multiple murders and torture in secret cellars under a building’, said Royal Court Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers as he rejected a pre-trial claim that men charged in the historical child abuse inquiry could not receive a fair trial because of the worldwide publicity.

It was also claimed that Mr Harper, who gave near-daily conferences while detectives and scientists dug for evidence at the St Martin home, had discussed a book deal and had meetings with a News of the World reporter.

Now retired and living in Scotland, Mr Harper has denied a claim that he was told by an archaeologist that a fragment of material found there and presented as ‘potential human remains’ predated the building.

It is claimed he was told this soon after it had been found.

Mr Harper said that it was ‘rubbish’ for the defence lawyers to have claimed that their clients would not get a fair trial.

‘None of the trials features any evidence about teeth or bones. Try and find a statement where these are mentioned,’ he said.

In his view, the judgment of the legal establishment seemed strangely at odds with how journalists remembered it

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.29pm

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

A SENIOR judge has branded former deputy Jersey police chief Lenny Harper’s media activities as he led the Haut de la Garenne investigation as ‘extraordinary’.

The international publicity generated by press conferences at the former children’s home ‘whipped up a frenzy of interest in … what turned out to be unfounded suggestions of multiple murders and torture in secret cellars under a building’, said Royal Court Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers as he rejected a pre-trial claim that men charged in the historical child abuse inquiry could not receive a fair trial because of the worldwide publicity.

It was also claimed that Mr Harper, who gave near-daily conferences while detectives and scientists dug for evidence at the St Martin home, had discussed a book deal and had meetings with a News of the World reporter.

Now retired and living in Scotland, Mr Harper has denied a claim that he was told by an archaeologist that a fragment of material found there and presented as ‘potential human remains’ predated the building.

It is claimed he was told this soon after it had been found.

Mr Harper said that it was ‘rubbish’ for the defence lawyers to have claimed that their clients would not get a fair trial.

‘None of the trials features any evidence about teeth or bones. Try and find a statement where these are mentioned,’ he said.

In his view, the judgment of the legal establishment seemed strangely at odds with how journalists remembered it

Article posted on 22nd August, 2009 - 2.29pm

Judge and lawyer slam Harper for whipping up media frenzy

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

SAINT HELIER, Jersey, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An elderly former house parent at a children's home on the British island of Jersey was convicted Thursday of molesting three teenage girls in the 1970s.

A judge in the Jersey Royal Court told Gordon Wateridge, 78, who still lives on the island, he is likely to get a prison term, the Daily Mail reported.

Wateridge worked at the Haut de la Garenne home, where police say children were routinely abused physically and sexually between the 1940s and 1980s. The home received international publicity when investigators suggested some children were even killed, but evidence of that has been discredited.

The victims said children at the home nicknamed Wateridge "the Perv" for his habit of groping girls. One woman, now 53, said Wateridge would pretend he was tickling her while running his hands up and down her legs. She said she never tried to report him.

"No one would have listened," she said.

Wateridge is the first person connected to the home to stand trial. Another man, now 46, admitted molesting other residents as a teenager, but charges were dismissed because he had been a victim of sexual assault, the newspaper said.

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

SAINT HELIER, Jersey, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An elderly former house parent at a children's home on the British island of Jersey was convicted Thursday of molesting three teenage girls in the 1970s.

A judge in the Jersey Royal Court told Gordon Wateridge, 78, who still lives on the island, he is likely to get a prison term, the Daily Mail reported.

Wateridge worked at the Haut de la Garenne home, where police say children were routinely abused physically and sexually between the 1940s and 1980s. The home received international publicity when investigators suggested some children were even killed, but evidence of that has been discredited.

The victims said children at the home nicknamed Wateridge "the Perv" for his habit of groping girls. One woman, now 53, said Wateridge would pretend he was tickling her while running his hands up and down her legs. She said she never tried to report him.

"No one would have listened," she said.

Wateridge is the first person connected to the home to stand trial. Another man, now 46, admitted molesting other residents as a teenager, but charges were dismissed because he had been a victim of sexual assault, the newspaper said.

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

SAINT HELIER, Jersey, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An elderly former house parent at a children's home on the British island of Jersey was convicted Thursday of molesting three teenage girls in the 1970s.

A judge in the Jersey Royal Court told Gordon Wateridge, 78, who still lives on the island, he is likely to get a prison term, the Daily Mail reported.

Wateridge worked at the Haut de la Garenne home, where police say children were routinely abused physically and sexually between the 1940s and 1980s. The home received international publicity when investigators suggested some children were even killed, but evidence of that has been discredited.

The victims said children at the home nicknamed Wateridge "the Perv" for his habit of groping girls. One woman, now 53, said Wateridge would pretend he was tickling her while running his hands up and down her legs. She said she never tried to report him.

"No one would have listened," she said.

Wateridge is the first person connected to the home to stand trial. Another man, now 46, admitted molesting other residents as a teenager, but charges were dismissed because he had been a victim of sexual assault, the newspaper said.

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

SAINT HELIER, Jersey, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- An elderly former house parent at a children's home on the British island of Jersey was convicted Thursday of molesting three teenage girls in the 1970s.

A judge in the Jersey Royal Court told Gordon Wateridge, 78, who still lives on the island, he is likely to get a prison term, the Daily Mail reported.

Wateridge worked at the Haut de la Garenne home, where police say children were routinely abused physically and sexually between the 1940s and 1980s. The home received international publicity when investigators suggested some children were even killed, but evidence of that has been discredited.

The victims said children at the home nicknamed Wateridge "the Perv" for his habit of groping girls. One woman, now 53, said Wateridge would pretend he was tickling her while running his hands up and down her legs. She said she never tried to report him.

"No one would have listened," she said.

Wateridge is the first person connected to the home to stand trial. Another man, now 46, admitted molesting other residents as a teenager, but charges were dismissed because he had been a victim of sexual assault, the newspaper said.

Man guilty of molesting teens in 1970s

Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

FORMER children’s home worker Gordon Wateridge was yesterday found guilty of eight counts of indecently assaulting three young girls.

The offences were committed while he was a house parent at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey in the early 1970s. The victims were teenagers at the time.

The 78-year-old, nicknamed ‘the Perv’ by children, was granted bail but was told by trial judge Sir Christopher Pitchers that he had been convicted of serious offences and was likely to go to prison because of the breach of trust.

The indecent assault convictions related to him touching girls over their clothing. He was also convicted of assaulting a boy by pulling his hair and pushing him to the ground.

But the jury cleared him of 12 other charges. He was found not guilty of the more serious offences of touching one former resident under her clothing, not guilty of touching another over her clothing and not guilty of giving that girl a love bite. He was also cleared of inciting boys to put their hands inside the clothing of the same girl.

The jury spent nine hours deliberating. None of the verdicts were unanimous and it took 35 minutes for them to be delivered in the Royal Court.

Bail was renewed on condition that Wateridge surrendered his passport, remained at an agreed address, did not approach witnesses and did not leave the island.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.29pm
Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

FORMER children’s home worker Gordon Wateridge was yesterday found guilty of eight counts of indecently assaulting three young girls.

The offences were committed while he was a house parent at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey in the early 1970s. The victims were teenagers at the time.

The 78-year-old, nicknamed ‘the Perv’ by children, was granted bail but was told by trial judge Sir Christopher Pitchers that he had been convicted of serious offences and was likely to go to prison because of the breach of trust.

The indecent assault convictions related to him touching girls over their clothing. He was also convicted of assaulting a boy by pulling his hair and pushing him to the ground.

But the jury cleared him of 12 other charges. He was found not guilty of the more serious offences of touching one former resident under her clothing, not guilty of touching another over her clothing and not guilty of giving that girl a love bite. He was also cleared of inciting boys to put their hands inside the clothing of the same girl.

The jury spent nine hours deliberating. None of the verdicts were unanimous and it took 35 minutes for them to be delivered in the Royal Court.

Bail was renewed on condition that Wateridge surrendered his passport, remained at an agreed address, did not approach witnesses and did not leave the island.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.29pm
Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

FORMER children’s home worker Gordon Wateridge was yesterday found guilty of eight counts of indecently assaulting three young girls.

The offences were committed while he was a house parent at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey in the early 1970s. The victims were teenagers at the time.

The 78-year-old, nicknamed ‘the Perv’ by children, was granted bail but was told by trial judge Sir Christopher Pitchers that he had been convicted of serious offences and was likely to go to prison because of the breach of trust.

The indecent assault convictions related to him touching girls over their clothing. He was also convicted of assaulting a boy by pulling his hair and pushing him to the ground.

But the jury cleared him of 12 other charges. He was found not guilty of the more serious offences of touching one former resident under her clothing, not guilty of touching another over her clothing and not guilty of giving that girl a love bite. He was also cleared of inciting boys to put their hands inside the clothing of the same girl.

The jury spent nine hours deliberating. None of the verdicts were unanimous and it took 35 minutes for them to be delivered in the Royal Court.

Bail was renewed on condition that Wateridge surrendered his passport, remained at an agreed address, did not approach witnesses and did not leave the island.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.29pm
Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

FORMER children’s home worker Gordon Wateridge was yesterday found guilty of eight counts of indecently assaulting three young girls.

The offences were committed while he was a house parent at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey in the early 1970s. The victims were teenagers at the time.

The 78-year-old, nicknamed ‘the Perv’ by children, was granted bail but was told by trial judge Sir Christopher Pitchers that he had been convicted of serious offences and was likely to go to prison because of the breach of trust.

The indecent assault convictions related to him touching girls over their clothing. He was also convicted of assaulting a boy by pulling his hair and pushing him to the ground.

But the jury cleared him of 12 other charges. He was found not guilty of the more serious offences of touching one former resident under her clothing, not guilty of touching another over her clothing and not guilty of giving that girl a love bite. He was also cleared of inciting boys to put their hands inside the clothing of the same girl.

The jury spent nine hours deliberating. None of the verdicts were unanimous and it took 35 minutes for them to be delivered in the Royal Court.

Bail was renewed on condition that Wateridge surrendered his passport, remained at an agreed address, did not approach witnesses and did not leave the island.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.29pm
Children’s home ‘sex bully’ faces prison

Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

A pensioner has been found guilty of sexually abusing young girls at a Jersey care home.

Croydon-born Gordon Wateridge was charged with being abusive to young girls in his care when he worked as a house parent at Haut De La Garenne.

Wateridge, described as a “sexually bully” by police, was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse enquiry led by Jersey police.

At the Royal Court of Jersey this week he was found guilty of alleged sexual offences against young girls.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, senior investigating officer for Operation Rectangle for the States of Jersey Police, said: “We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and effort of the people involved in this case such as the investigation team, the witness liaison officers and the legal team, as well as the challenges the complainants have had to face both before and during this trial.

“The historical abuse enquiry is continuing and there is another case in the court process.

"I am unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail at this time.

“We would like to emphasise that the States of Jersey Police take reports of historical abuse seriously, and are committed to investigating them.”

Wateridge, 78 now living in St Clement, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of assault yesterday (Thursday).

He was found not guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of incitement to indecent assault.
Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

A pensioner has been found guilty of sexually abusing young girls at a Jersey care home.

Croydon-born Gordon Wateridge was charged with being abusive to young girls in his care when he worked as a house parent at Haut De La Garenne.

Wateridge, described as a “sexually bully” by police, was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse enquiry led by Jersey police.

At the Royal Court of Jersey this week he was found guilty of alleged sexual offences against young girls.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, senior investigating officer for Operation Rectangle for the States of Jersey Police, said: “We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and effort of the people involved in this case such as the investigation team, the witness liaison officers and the legal team, as well as the challenges the complainants have had to face both before and during this trial.

“The historical abuse enquiry is continuing and there is another case in the court process.

"I am unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail at this time.

“We would like to emphasise that the States of Jersey Police take reports of historical abuse seriously, and are committed to investigating them.”

Wateridge, 78 now living in St Clement, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of assault yesterday (Thursday).

He was found not guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of incitement to indecent assault.
Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

A pensioner has been found guilty of sexually abusing young girls at a Jersey care home.

Croydon-born Gordon Wateridge was charged with being abusive to young girls in his care when he worked as a house parent at Haut De La Garenne.

Wateridge, described as a “sexually bully” by police, was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse enquiry led by Jersey police.

At the Royal Court of Jersey this week he was found guilty of alleged sexual offences against young girls.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, senior investigating officer for Operation Rectangle for the States of Jersey Police, said: “We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and effort of the people involved in this case such as the investigation team, the witness liaison officers and the legal team, as well as the challenges the complainants have had to face both before and during this trial.

“The historical abuse enquiry is continuing and there is another case in the court process.

"I am unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail at this time.

“We would like to emphasise that the States of Jersey Police take reports of historical abuse seriously, and are committed to investigating them.”

Wateridge, 78 now living in St Clement, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of assault yesterday (Thursday).

He was found not guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of incitement to indecent assault.
Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

A pensioner has been found guilty of sexually abusing young girls at a Jersey care home.

Croydon-born Gordon Wateridge was charged with being abusive to young girls in his care when he worked as a house parent at Haut De La Garenne.

Wateridge, described as a “sexually bully” by police, was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse enquiry led by Jersey police.

At the Royal Court of Jersey this week he was found guilty of alleged sexual offences against young girls.

Detective Superintendent Mick Gradwell, senior investigating officer for Operation Rectangle for the States of Jersey Police, said: “We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and effort of the people involved in this case such as the investigation team, the witness liaison officers and the legal team, as well as the challenges the complainants have had to face both before and during this trial.

“The historical abuse enquiry is continuing and there is another case in the court process.

"I am unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail at this time.

“We would like to emphasise that the States of Jersey Police take reports of historical abuse seriously, and are committed to investigating them.”

Wateridge, 78 now living in St Clement, was found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of assault yesterday (Thursday).

He was found not guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of incitement to indecent assault.
Croydon-born pensioner found guilty in Jersey care home abuse case

Result a comfort to the complainants, say police

Detective superintendent Mick Gradwell reads out a statement following the verdicts on Gordon Wateridge. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00770065)

Detective superintendent Mick Gradwell reads out a statement following the verdicts on Gordon Wateridge. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00770065)

THE police officer in charge of the team that put together the case against Gordon Wateridge paid tribute to those who had worked toward the conviction.

Outside the Royal Court building yesterday after Wateridge had been convicted on eight counts of indecent assault and one of assault, Det Supt Mick Gradwell said: ‘We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.’

He said that Wateridge was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse inquiry and been found guilty of sexual offences against young girls. Mr Gradwell added that as a house parent at Haut de la Garenne, Wateridge was ‘a sexual bully’ towards vulnerable young girls in his care.

Mr Gradwell added that the historical abuse inquiry was continuing and that as there was another case in the court process, he was unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail.

Wateridge being cleared on 12 counts relating to evidence given by two complainants, including more serious charges of indecent assault.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Result a comfort to the complainants, say police

Result a comfort to the complainants, say police

Detective superintendent Mick Gradwell reads out a statement following the verdicts on Gordon Wateridge. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00770065)

Detective superintendent Mick Gradwell reads out a statement following the verdicts on Gordon Wateridge. Picture by Richard Wainwright (00770065)

THE police officer in charge of the team that put together the case against Gordon Wateridge paid tribute to those who had worked toward the conviction.

Outside the Royal Court building yesterday after Wateridge had been convicted on eight counts of indecent assault and one of assault, Det Supt Mick Gradwell said: ‘We hope the complainants involved in this trial have received some comfort from the decision reached by the court.’

He said that Wateridge was the first person charged in connection with the historical abuse inquiry and been found guilty of sexual offences against young girls. Mr Gradwell added that as a house parent at Haut de la Garenne, Wateridge was ‘a sexual bully’ towards vulnerable young girls in his care.

Mr Gradwell added that the historical abuse inquiry was continuing and that as there was another case in the court process, he was unable to comment about the investigation in wider detail.

Wateridge being cleared on 12 counts relating to evidence given by two complainants, including more serious charges of indecent assault.

Article posted on 21st August, 2009 - 2.59pm
Result a comfort to the complainants, say police