Comments
Digital copy of Witness 187's witness statement to the States of Jersey Police providing an account of experiences during his childhood, including disclosures of sexual abuse by Thomas Hamon and Tony Watton. Statement taken by Detective Constable L C Béghin. [Some details redacted].
For Witness 187's witness statements to the States of Jersey Police, see ZC/D/AW1/B1/2/2/18.
| Reference | ZC/D/AW1/A3/6/2/25/WD004366 |
| Date | 11 October 2000 |
| Scope and Content | Background and Early Years Includes details about Witness 187, referring to birth in England before moving to Jersey with his family at an early age. Institutions Includes references to his time at La Préférence Children's Home, Haut de la Garenne, St Martin's School and St Helier Boys' School. Recalls being taken to La Préférence Children's Home by his mother following his father's death in 1966. Includes recollections of the size of La Préférence, recalling that he was there between the ages of 9 and 11. States that he was the only member of his family at La Préférence, claiming to be unaware where his siblings were during this period. Refers to vegetarian regime at La Préférence. Recalls attending St Martin's School whilst at La Préférence, recalling seeing his siblings on the school bus from Haut de la Garenne. Notes that his siblings attended Grouville School, describing not understanding why he had been separated from his family. Recalls moving from La Préférence to Haut de la Garenne. Includes recollections of other children in residence. Recalls attending St Helier Boys' School from the age of 11, noting that this coincided with himself and his brother joining St John Ambulance. Refers to the organisation's headquarters at Midvale Road, recalling that it was run by Thomas Hamon. Refers to Hamon's marriage to a member of staff at Haut de la Garenne. Abuse and Consequences Describes physical abuse by his father, referring to health and psychological impact on Witness 187. Describes being singled out by his father amongst family members. Notes that he had to see a psychiatrist, Dr Fogarty, at the Hospital about a problem resulting from father's abuse. Mentions father's death in 1966 and his response to it. Also recalls being hit by a female member of staff at La Préférence for eating bacon-flavoured crisps. Describes impact of physical abuse on his education, mentioning truancy. Recalls being bullied by other male residents whilst at Haut de la Garenne. Also recalls being bullied by other children at St Helier Boys' School. Describes being sexually abused by Thomas Hamon whilst he was a member of St John Ambulance. Recalls Hamon abusing him in his car outside St Saviour's Hospital en route back to Haut de la Garenne. Describes sexual abuse by Mr [Terence] Jarrett when he was staying at the house of a schoolfriend. Notes that he told his [brother] about abuse by Jarrett who in turn told a member of staff at [Haut de la Garenne] who Witness 187 believes he must have reported to the incidents to the Police. Refers to a Court case against Jarrett and impact on his life, recalling that he was subject to namecalling. Describes being sexually abused by Anthony Watton regularly whilst he was at school. Refers to stealing [Watton's] car and subsequently being arrested after [Watton] reported the matter to the Police. Describes being imprisoned and correspondence from Watton asking whether he had made a complaint about the abuse. Describes attempts by Watton to abuse Witness 187 when he was aged 15 or 16. Comments on impact of abuse on Witness 187's life, referring to experiences during the Jarrett case. Statement finishes with Witness 187 stating his intention to make a complaint regarding sexual abuse by [Watton] and Hamon. |
| Names | Beghin, Louis, Detective Constable Hamon, Thomas Charles Jarrett, Terence Watton, Tony Haut de la Garenne La Préférence Children's Home Houillebecq St John Ambulance States of Jersey Police |
| Keywords | abuse | allegations | arrests | assault | child abuse | child protection | childcare | Children | children's homes | complaints | convictions | courts | Grooming | Imprisonment | indecent assault | laws | offences | Police | Prison | sentences | sexual abuse | sexual offences | statements | stealing | theft | voluntary organisations | witness statements | witnesses |
| Places | Haut de la Garenne, Rouge Bouillon |
| Dimensions | 1 pdf file |
| Language | English |
| Level of description | File |
| Access restrictions | PDF file - please click on the link to download |
| Closed until | 2100 |
Context:
Digital copy of Witness 187's witness statement to the States of Jersey Police providing an account of experiences during his childhood, including disclosures of sexual abuse by Thomas Hamon and Tony Watton. Statement taken by Detective Constable L C Béghin. [Some details redacted].
For Witness 187's witness statements to the States of Jersey Police, see ZC/D/AW1/B1/2/2/18.
ZC/D/AW1/A3/6/2/25/WD004366
A digital image is available to view online or this item is closed because it is exempt from public access under the Freedom of Information Law. If you would like to make a request please email us.