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4 December 2014

​The Inquiry has heard evidence from a series of witnesses who say they had been unaware of abuse when they were living at Haut de la Garenne. Their accounts mark a contrast with other witnesses who have given detailed descriptions of physical, sexual and psychological abuse at the home.

George Hamon went to Haut de la Garenne at the age of 14 after getting into trouble with the police. He told Counsel Patrick Sadd that children at the home were taken on holiday to Sark, and showed the Inquiry photographs. They were taken to the island on the States barge.

Mr Hamon says he wasn't aware of any child being given the cane at Haut de la Garenne. He also said Colin Tilbrook, in charge of the home, was a "great bloke".

Previous evidence has provided graphic accounts of violent and sexual assaults by Tilbrook.

Earlier today, statements were read into the public record from people who'd also been sent to Haut de la Garenne in the 1960's. One described the home as a "cold and heartless place" but said she'd never seen any abuse.  She also said that in the year she lived at the home, no doctor had ever visited.

The Inquiry is hearing evidence from witnesses about the circumstances in which they came to be admitted to the care system. The Panel is also being shown supporting documents which shed light on the decisions taken by the authorities.

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