PRESS RELEASE
Jersey abuse case solicitor says sentence is vindication for victims
Portsmouth solicitor speaks out on latest conviction
Alan Collins, Solicitor-Advocate of Portsmouth-based law firm, Verisona, who has acted on behalf of some of the victims in the Haut de la Garenne childrens care home case in Jersey, says that the conviction of Gordon Wateridge, is vindication for them.
He explained:
“For those victims who allege they were abused, Wateridge’s conviction today is an important milestone that has been reached and passed in their fight for justice.
Verisona Solicitors & Advocates have been instructed to pursue civil claims against the States of Jersey. The Royal Court in St. Helier heard evidence that Wateridge, a houseparent at the home from 1970-1974, had assaulted and indecently assaulted children who were in care at Haut de la Garenne.
Alan, who has travelled as far as Australia in his bid to seek justice for his clients, added:
“The trial has brought into sharp focus the allegations. The resulting conviction is vindication of our clients’ claims of abuse and leaves little, if any, doubt that the regime to care for them, failed in the worst possible way. It is hoped that the States of Jersey will now accept it has to do right by these people and give them the redress they seek.
Alan Collins is a Solicitor-Advocate, and Director of Verisona Solicitors and Advocates. He can be contacted on 023 9238 0112 for further comment.