An Angus couple accused of child abuse offences at a Jersey care home have been found guilty.

Anthony Jordan, 62, and his wife Morag were found guilty of eight counts of abusing children each. Judge Sir Christopher Pitchers delivered the verdict on Friday.

Mr Jordon of Brechin Road, Kirriemuir, was found guilty of abusing children at the Haut de la Garenne children’s home on the island between 1981 and 1984.

His wife Morag, originally from Dundee, was employed at the house between 1970 and 1984. She was also found guilty of eight counts of common assault during her work there, including shoving soap into their mouths and pushed the face of one into a puddle of urine.

The charges relate to offences committed against 11 children aged between one and 17.

The jury of six men and six women heard from a succession of witnesses before retiring to reach their verdict. The Royal Court in Jersey heard from former residents, now all in their 40s, giving evidence that Jordan and his wife Morag abused them.

Inspector Sara Garwood, from the States of Jersey Police, said it was a successful conclusion to an investigation within the historic abuse inquiry.

She said: "We recognise the courage of all the victims for giving evidence in this case and hope that the verdict helps to bring closure to these serious offences.

"The force has highly skilled specialist officers trained in this area of work, and the States of Jersey Police remain committed to bringing offenders to justice."

The couple, who were arrested in February 2010, worked at the centre until 1984. Sentencing was deferred until January 6.

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