Jersey abuse victims 'could soon get compensation'

Seven people were convicted after the abuse inquiry, with four linked to Haut de la Garenne

Jersey's government is ready to start paying compensation to people who were abused while in care, according to the chief minister.

Nearly 40 care leavers have warned they will take their case to the High Court in London after talks with Jersey's government stalled.

Senator Terry Le Sueur told the States that despite delays, they were now ready to begin settling claims.

He said that any barriers causing delays had been removed.

Senator Le Sueur said: "During the delay the States' lawyers met with the claimants' representatives and assured them that as soon as the claims could be progressed the States' lawyers would be in contact.

"States' lawyers are now able to meet the claimants representatives to explain the agreed framework and the assessment of claims may begin."

The compensation claims follow an inquiry, between 2007 and 2010, into historical abuse at the island's children's homes.

Police took 1,776 statements from 192 alleged victims during the inquiry, which led to seven convictions, four of which were linked to Haut de la Garenne.