12/05/2009

Man Pleads Guilty To Jersey Child Abuse

A 46-year-old man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing boys in a Jersey care home almost four decades ago.

Michael Aubin, who works as a cleaner, admitted two counts of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault on children under 10-years-old at Haut de la Garenne.

The Jersey born man, who now resides in Southampton, Hampshire, committed the offences while living in the care home during the 1970s.

Appearing at Jersey's Royal Court, Aubin pleaded guilty to the charges, having earlier denied three further counts of indecent assault.

These accusations will be revisited once Aubin is sentenced next month.

Prosecutor Stephen Baker said the pleas were accepted after "detailed discussions" with the police and the victims.

"Each [of the complainants] is in agreement with the position the Crown is to take," he said.

Alleged abuse at the Haut de la Garenne home has become the focus of a major police investigation.

Aubin is the first person to be convicted of any sexual assaults.

Detectives are believed to have around 40 suspects after an influx of historic abuse accusations.

At least two other people have been charged in connection with the investigation.

(PR/JM)

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