Man charged over Jersey 'abuse'

A 77-year-old man has been charged with 16 counts of indecent assault in connection with alleged abuse at a former children's home in Jersey.

Gordon Claude Wateridge, 77, a former warder at Haut de la Garenne, appeared at the island's magistrates' court.

He did not enter a plea and has been bailed to reappear in court at a later as yet unspecified date.

Three initial charges against Mr Wateridge were withdrawn and replaced by the 16 new charges.

They relate to alleged offences against four girls and one boy in the 1970s.

In addition, Mr Wateridge was also charged with four unrelated firearms offences.

He remains on conditional bail and the case has been committed to the Royal Court. No date has yet been set.