Press release issued 29th July 2008 by Alan Collins of Dyer Burdett & Co.

Over the last two years former residents of the Children’s Cottage Homes at Cosham, and other children who were in the care of Portsmouth Corporation in the 1950’s and 60’s who alleged that they were abused have campaigned for justice. They have now received undisclosed damages following negotiations between their solicitor Alan Collins a director and solicitor-advocate with Dyer Burdett & Co and the Portsmouth City Council. Alan said that “The victims were not going to lie down and go away. Some staged protests and even started up a victims’ justice group. In cases such as this there is often great feeling and emotions can run very high. When victims who have come forward to seek answers or redress for the abuse they suffered to have the door shut in the face by the authority responsible is a terrible thing, and they say it is like being abused all over again. Victims are often motivated by a sense of justice, and wanting the truth to be heard, which can make for uncomfortable listening at the other end. They are brave to come forward and tell their stories of abuse, bullying, and neglect. Alan also said that the “City Council deserves credit for listening to the victims, and negotiating a settlement. Whilst it is impossible to put right the many wrongs suffered by the victims in their childhood, it is the recognition that matters”. Alan along with his colleague Mark Temple (of Ozannes in St. Helier) are working on the Haut de la Garenne case in Jersey, and he hopes that a similarly successful outcome can be achieved for the many victims of physical and sexual abuse that have come forward seeking their advice and representation. There is a link between the two cases in that a victim who was in the Council’s care was sent she alleges to Haut de la Garenne for a summer holiday only to be abused whilst there. Victims are worldwide, and Alan is busily collating their testimony. Alan can be contacted on 02392 492472