News round-up: Jersey inquiry – man in court

Jersey inquiry: Man in court

The first man to be charged in connection with abuse allegations at a Jersey children’s home has appeared in court.

Gordon Wateridge, 76, a former warden at Haut de la Garenne, is accused of indecently assaulting three girls under the age of 16 between January 1969 and December 1973. He spoke only to confirm his name at St Helier Magistrates’ Court. The case was adjourned for four weeks.

Read more on this story in The Times

Death rates at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust to be investigated

High death rates at a Staffordshire hospital trust are to be investigated by the Healthcare Commission.

The watchdog said that data showed the death rates at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust were “out of normal range”. The inquiry will focus on what appear to be higher than normal death rates for emergency admissions. The commission will also investigate the quality of care provided across the trust, in particular to older people.

Read more on this story in The Times

School staff are being ‘patronised and put through hoops’

Campaigner says millions are being wasted on new school buildings that fail to consider children’s services.

Read more on this story in The Guardian

Minister: Don’t send drug addicts to jail

Junkie criminals should serve their time in the community and not be locked up, the Prisons Minister said yesterday.

David Hanson said drugs were a “health issue” not one of law and order.

He was speaking after a report slammed prison drug rehab schemes.

Read more on this story in The Daily Mirror