Jersey home carer trial delayed

The trial of a carer at a former children's home in Jersey has been delayed after new e-mails sent between witnesses emerged.

Gordon Wateridge, 78, is charged with 19 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1974 relating to five victims at the Haut de la Garenne home.

Mr Wateridge, who lives in the parish of St Clement, denies the charges.

It was delayed after the e-mails were disclosed to the defence barristers and some witnesses could be recalled.

In the lead-up to the trial, the defence had asked the prosecution for any internet correspondence between the witnesses.

This had been interpreted as public contact between witnesses on Facebook. But in the cross-examination on Monday it emerged there were private e-mails between witnesses.

The jury was told by judge Sir Christopher Pitchers that the impact of the new material was being considered by the prosecution.

He told the jury that it well may be that they need witnesses back who have already been cross-examined.

Sir Christopher said that the delay was not the fault of defence advocate Mike Preston or Mr Wateridge.

The trial continues.