Jersey Investigation

Michel was at Haut de la Garenne in the 1950s and, apart from the cane, felt that, although strict – the regime at the time was fair. He gives us his first hand account of life at the facility.

I have read much about alleged abuse over the last twenty four hours but nothing too specific regarding times - that is until now.

The BBC last night put out a first hand account from a resident 'Chris' who lived there in the sixties. His account shocked me.

I left The Home in 1960. During my short stay I found the regime to be strict but fair.

The cane was in use and administered (pants on) on the buttocks. I remember that on one of those rare occasions that I received it, the Master delivering it slipped and put a painful weal across my leg.

I think that it was one of those rare occasions that a miscreant walked away from that punishment clutching a chocolate bar. Not the conduct of an uncaring adult.

I experienced only once what would now be classed as assault, when I offended one of the masters. Standing in the middle of a full dining room, I was sent crashing to the floor by an almighty slap across the face.

I still to this day wonder which one of us was the most shocked!  I don’t know if he earned the respect of the young audience but he earned mine!

We got on well for the duration of my stay. I saw or heard of no mistreatment of my fellow inmates.

About the time I left a new man took over. When I returned to visit a year or so later I was amazed at the change in the place.

Our government had put their hands into the coffers and begun refurbishing the place. But what struck me most was the noticeably relaxed, informal un-regimented atmosphere amongst staff and kids.

It seemed to me to be more like a real home, and had someone offered I would have gladly resumed my residence!

Now this is why the report from 'Chris' really shocked me. What the hell went wrong in the sixties after what looked like such a promising start?

Up till now I had assumed that the really violent stuff had been pre-war though I still retain fond memories of the place, they are now somewhat tainted by the ongoing disclosures.