New charges delay child abuse trial

Jersey 11

FORMER Haut de la Garenne houseparent Gordon Claude Wateridge (78) faces eight new charges of indecently assaulting a girl at that home during the 1970s.

Yesterday, Mr Wateridge was due to become the first of those charged in relation to the historical child abuse inquiry to be tried, but that trial was adjourned before it started after Crown Advocate Stephen Baker told Commissioner Sir Christopher Pitchers that these new charges had been brought against Mr Wateridge.

Sir Christopher adjourned the trial until 10 August so that Mr Wateridge’s counsel, Advocate Mike Preston, could consider the new charges. There are now 21 counts on the indictment against Mr Wateridge.

The offences are alleged to have been carried out at Haut de la Garenne between 1970 and 1974.

Mr Wateridge, who was born in Croydon and lives in the Island, denies all the charges. He was remanded on bail.

• Haut de la Garenne where the offences are alleged to have taken place

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