First witnesses listed for abuse inquiry

Monday 28 July 2014

The first witnesses will appear before the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry this week.

Opening statements by lawyers representing the Jersey Care Leavers’ Association, the States and the police were made last week, but the main hearings about abuse in Island care homes begin tomorrow.

The witnesses include the service manager for Children’s Services, Tony Le Sueur.

The first witnesses listed are:

 Tuesday – Dr Philip Johnson, evidence on constitutional matters.

Wednesday – Tony Le Sueur, evidence of fact and context.

Next Tuesday – Professor Roger Bullock, evidence on context.

The £6 million inquiry into abuse in Island care homes from 1945 right up to the present day – set up with wide-ranging powers to demand documents and force witnesses to give evidence – was set up by the States after Chief Minister Ian Gorst decided to reverse the decision of the previous set of ministers, who didn’t want an inquiry to be held.

The hearings are being held at the inquiry’s headquarters at 11-15 Seaton Place, St Helier. Hearings start at 10 am.