HAUT DE LA GARENNE
I am of the opinion that Gordon Wateridge’s conviction and sentence is a significant step forward for those Haut de la Garenne victims seeking compensation for the abuse they suffered.
There has been plenty of coverage of Wateridge’s trial and the best place to go for this is the BBC’s website at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8266897.stm
or just go to www.bbc.co.uk and the Jersey news section under England. There is plenty of coverage on the major media websites. A good one to look at is the Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au
Many victims have had to struggle with the fact that the allegations of abuse were not believed in some quarters, and so the Wateridge conviction following on from that Aubin must in my opinion put pay to any such doubts.
The allegations of abuse cover many decades from the 1940′s down to the 1980′s. It is my suspicion that many former residents have not felt able to come forward and report their stories to the police out of fear, and embarrassment which whilst misplaced is entirely understandable. Of course it is only by coming forward that the abusers can be exposed and prosecuted, and the truth heard.
Alan Collins
23.9.09
I can be contacted on 02392492472