Jersey Care Inquiry: Former teacher denies home abuse

A teacher who worked at Jersey's Les Chenes secure school in the 1980s and 1990s has denied kicking students.

The staff member, known as Mr M, was giving evidence at the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry on Tuesday.

Mr M said he was upset and saddened that a small minority of former pupils have made allegations against staff at the school.

The inquiry is investigating accusations of child abuse in Jersey's care system dating back to 1945.

Six allegations of physically abusive behaviour have been made against Mr M and although he has previously been interviewed by police, no charges were brought.

He suggested the accusations were motivated by money, but it was put to him that only one student who made allegations against him went on to seek compensation.

Mr M told inquiry counsel Harriet Jerram he never punched or kicked anyone, but does remember one incident where a student was being violent and had to be restrained.

"In the same situation, I would do the same again," he said.

The first phase of the hearing, which began in 2014, ended in March, with dozens of witnesses having given evidence.

In its second phase, the inquiry will hear from those who worked in children's services and those accused of abuse.

Chief Minister Ian Gorst has set a deadline of December 2016 for the inquiry to conclude its investigations.