Posts Tagged ‘Jersey’
Monday, November 16th, 2009
For me the Australian Government’s apology to the child migrants is both welcome and significant.
I have met many people who are now in their fifties, sixties, and seventies who suferred abuse as children. They have lived with the memories and consequences all of their lives, and often in silence.
A very wise judge once said that one of the pernicious fruits of child abuse is silence. How true.
It is striking that the recent media coverage has highlighted that very human need on the part of victims to be heard and recognised. Many tell me that they felt at the time that were forgotten and treated as second class victims. Maybe the perpetrators of the abuse in their cruel and warped way thought they could justify thier actions because they saw the children as somehow inferior?
Many victims as I said tell me that they need recognition, and someone in authority to say “sorry”. Kevin Rudd’s apology on behalf of Australia is therefore surely welcome. It should also be seen as example for other governments to follow.
For more on the Australian government’s apology I suggest you go to: http.//news.bbc.co.uk
or
www.theaustralian.com
Alan Collins
023 92 492472
Tags: abuse, abuse claims, advocates, apology, Australia, child abuse, child migrants, child sex abuse, claim, historic abuse, Jersey, lawyer, migrants, sexual abuse, solicitor, solicitors, victim
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, news, personal injury | No Comments »
Monday, September 21st, 2009
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
Tags: abuse, abuse claims, advocates, case, child abuse, child sex abuse, children's home, claim, compensation, damages, Haut de la Garenne, historic abuse, Jersey, lawyers, no win no fee, personal injury, sexual abuse
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, news, personal injury | No Comments »
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
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.
Tags: child abuse, Haut de la Garenne, historic abuse, Jersey
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, news, personal injury | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
In an interview with BBC Radio Jersey on 23rd June I explained that the Michael Aubin case was an important step forward for the Haut de la Garenne victims in their fight for justice. This was because the evidence and sentence should put pay to those who were of the opinion that the allegations were false. Clearly by any standard all was not well at Haut de la Garenne.
For reports on the case go to the BBC’s website at www.news.bbc.co.uk
Alan Collins
www.verisona.com
Tags: abuse claims, advocates, Haut de la Garenne, Jersey, lawyers, solicitors, verisona
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, personal injury | Comments Off
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
22.06.09
PRESS RELEASE
Jersey abuse case solicitor says sentence is vindication for victims
Portsmouth solicitor speaks out on Aubin sentence Alan Collins, solicitor-advocate for Portsmouth-based Verisona and who has acted on behalf of some of the victims in the Jersey Haut de la Garenne children’s care home case, says that todays successful prosecution and sentencing of Michael Aubin is vindication for them. Petersfield resident Collins, who has travelled as far as Australia in his bid to seek justice for his clients, said:”The outcome today puts paid to any belief that all was OK at Haut de la Garenne because clearly it was not. What happened is tragic for all those involved and, hopefully minds will now turn to how best to make amends to the victims. Many still suffer, considerably, as a result of what they had to endure and I am seeking compensation for those who have instructed me to do so”.
Tags: abuse claims, advocates, Haut de la Garenne, Jersey, lawyers, solicitors, verisona
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, personal injury, sex abuse | Comments Off
Thursday, January 1st, 2009
On 30th December the BBC broadcast Fergal Keane’s interview with Lenny Harper.
In “Taking a Stand” Fergal Keane talks to people who have taken risks and made sacrifices to stand up for what they believe in.
Lenny Harper was, until his retirement, the policeman who investigated the Haut de la Garenne abuse investigations. He attracted much publicity, and some of it, to put it politely, critical.
For those with an interest in the case I recommend that you listen to the programme. All you need to do is log on to BBC Radio 4’s website and select “listen again” and scroll down for “Taking a Stand“.
The Haut de la Garenne case is one that is not going to go away. Whether you agree with what Mr Harper did and said is nether here or there in my opinion, and this is because the abuse allegations are too extensive to be dismissed. Undoubtedly the full story of what happend may never unfold, but each victim has their own unique tale to tell and we should now be listening to them.
Alan Collins
Solicitor-advocate
Verisona
Tags: BBC, Fergal Keane, Haut de la Garenne, Jersey
Posted in child abuse, historic abuse, investigations, sex abuse | Comments Off
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
31.07.08
Haut de la Garenne Solicitor requests more support for investigation
Alan Collins, the solicitor representing many of the alleged abuse victims at Haut de la Garenne in Jersey, has publicly requested more support for the Senior Investigating Officer Lenny Harper, following Mr. Harper’s recent BBC interview.
The experienced solicitor at Dyer Burdett & Co. based in Hampshire, has been working with Ozannes Advocate Mark Temple, representing former residents of the notorious Jersey care home and has travelled as far as Australia to meet alleged victims. Alan Collins said: “It is staggering that Lenny Harper and his colleagues, both on Jersey and the mainland, have been able to collate so much evidence in this case. I know from my own experience this must have been a painstaking task and all those involved in the investigation are to be applauded”. He added: “It is emerging, from the evidence given by the alleged victims who have come forward and from the forensic aspect of the enquiry, that Haut de la Garenne was a scene of unparalleled child abuse atrocities.Even if the children whose remains have been found were not the victims of homicide, the fact that they were not given a religious burial, let alone any kind of dignity, demonstrates that by entering the home you actually became a lesser human being, as those who are still alive allege”. The investigation, which started in November 2007, has been under near constant scrutiny by the media and the Senior Investigating Officer himself is under additional pressure as he prepares to retire next month. Despite this Alan believes the investigation needs more support and added: “It must surely be the wish of all those who have any interest in ensuring that the full truth emerges, they fully support the ongoing police investigation, and this must also mean that all assistance that is required is provided. The victims, both those who are no longer with us and those still alive, deserve nothing less. In representing my clients I shall be continuing to observe the investigation with acute interest”.
Alan Collins
31.7.08
02392492472
Tags: abuse, BBC, child abuse, compensation, Haute de la Garenne, Jersey, sex abuse
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, personal injury, sex abuse | Comments Off
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
BBC Interview with Lenny Harper
It is staggering that Lenny Harper and his colleagues both on Jersey and the mainland have been able to collate so much evidence. This must have been a painstaking task and all those involved in the investigation are to be applauded.It is emerging that from the evidence of the victims who have come forward and from the forensic aspect of the enquiry that Haut de la Garenne was a scene of unparalleled child abuse atrocities. Even if the children whose remains have been found were not the victims of homicide the fact that they were not afforded a Christian burial, let alone any kind of dignity demonstrates as the those who are still alive allege by entering the home “you became a lesser beingâ€.It must surely be the wish of all those who have any interest in ensuring that the full truth emerges fully support the on-going police investigation, and this must mean that all assistance that is required is provided. The victims both those who are no longer with us and those still alive deserve nothing less.
In representing my clients I shall be continuing to observe the investigation with interest.
Alan Collins
Tags: abuse, BBC, child abuse, compensation, Haute de la Garenne, Jersey, sex abuse
Posted in child abuse, historic abuse, investigations, personal injury, sex abuse | Comments Off
Friday, May 30th, 2008
I was interviewed by Tasmanina daily newspaper Mercury on 25th May concerning Haut de la Garenne and the investigations that are taking place, and gave my opinion on where the case is going.
There is considerable interest throughout Australia. Many Channel Islanders have made new lives for themselves througout the country and, unsuprisingly, follow the latest developments with interest.
Alan Collins
Tags: abuse, child abuse, Haut de la Garenne, Jersey
Posted in investigations | No Comments »
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
I see reported in the media and, perhaps, deliberately timed to coincide with Liberation Day what could be interpreted as attempts (?) being made to downplay the Haut de la Garenne abuse allegations. This comes as no great surprise because in my experience there are always those who out of ignorance and/or fear who refuse to accept the reality of child abuse.
A common refrain is to question why the victims did not report the abuse at the the time. This is, perhaps, the stupidest and at the same time the most of unempthatic of questions, and when put to me, I point out, in answer who exactly was the child suppose to to report to? Moreover when the questioner is asked what would they have done had they been abused he/she usually has no answer, and duly tries to change the subject.
Another line is to say that the victims should not dwell on the past, but it is all very well for the non-abused to say that. A serious wrong can never be put right simply by ignoring it, and why should a victim be deprived of justice because their raising their plight is inconvenient?
In my experience any attempt to downplay the tragedy of Haut de la Garenne will only serve to invigorate those who are now seeking justice for the abuse suffered.
Alan Collins
Tags: abuse, child abuse, Haut de la Garenne, Jersey
Posted in child abuse, compensation, historic abuse, investigations, sex abuse | No Comments »
