Comments
Digital copy of the Witness Statement of [Witness 324] to the States of Jersey Police providing an account of his experiences at Haut de la Garenne. [Some details redacted]. Signature witnessed by DC [Detective Constable] Harvey.
Used as evidence in relation to Section 5 of Nicholas Griffin QC's Report [ZC/D/AW4/A5/26/WD008989] concerning Witness 491.
| Reference | ZC/D/AW4/A5/26/5/WD008867 |
| Date | 1 August 2008 |
| Scope and Content | Includes details about early life, referring to mother's desertion, living with his father and paternal grandmother and placement at Sacré Coeur Orphanage at the age of 2. Described being subjected to physical punishments whilst at Sacré Coeur, moving into foster care aged 4 and removal after being accused of stealing. Recalls transfer to Haut de la Garenne in 1969 aged 12 or 13. Includes recollections of other children in residence at Haut de la Garenne and sleeping arrangements and remarks about his behaviour as a child. Describes the daily routine at Haut de la Garenne, comments about the detention rooms and alleges that he was physically abused at Haut de la Garenne. Provides details of physical abuse by [a member of staff] in the showers. Recalls attempts to report the abuse, and notes that his complaint was ignored by [Witness 491], and as a result he did not report other abuse. Includes comments about Gordon Wateridge, recalling an improvement in the atmosphere at Haut de la Garenne upon his arrival. States that he did not witness Wateridge physically abuse any boys. Notes that children would be plunged into a bath of cold water, but asserts that did not witness any member of staff do this. Refers to an incident of emotional abuse by [a female member of staff]. Also includes recollections of staff, including [Witness 491] and nursery nurses, describing [Witness 491] as insensitive. Describes leaving Haut de la Garenne in 1971 after gaining employment in England aged 18. Recalls media reports regarding Haut de la Garenne, dated 2007 to 2008, and contact with Childline in November 2007, recalling that his details were passed on to [States of Jersey] Police. Does not recall building work taking place at Haut de la Garenne, or the deaths of children at Haut de la Garenne. Knew of the cellars but had not gone into them. Asserts that no child ever told him that they were physically or sexually abused, speculating on the possibility that some individuals may have been abused. Also describes impact of childhood experiences on his later life. [For reference to Witness 491, see paragraphs 4, 11 and 17]. |
| Names | Griffin, Nicholas, QC Harvey, Detective Constable Tilbrook, Colin Wateridge, Gordon Childline Children's Services Haut de la Garenne Sacré Coeur Orphanage St Helier Boys' School States of Jersey States of Jersey Police |
| Keywords | abuse | admissions | child abuse | childcare | Children | children's homes | children's services | counselling | Detective Constables | dormitories | emotional abuse | evidence | Education | fathers | fostering | grandmothers | houseparents | IJCI | Media | meals | mothers | nuns | offices | physical abuse | Police | punishments | residents | Schools | snooker | solitary confinement | staff | statements | witness statements | witnesses |
| Places | Haut de la Garenne, Sacré Coeur, Rouge Bouillon |
| Dimensions | 1 pdf file |
| Language | English |
| Level of description | File |
| Access restrictions | Closed for preservation - please consult digital copy |
Context:
Digital copy of the Witness Statement of [Witness 324] to the States of Jersey Police providing an account of his experiences at Haut de la Garenne. [Some details redacted]. Signature witnessed by DC [Detective Constable] Harvey.
Used as evidence in relation to Section 5 of Nicholas Griffin QC's Report [ZC/D/AW4/A5/26/WD008989] concerning Witness 491.
ZC/D/AW4/A5/26/5/WD008867
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