THREE former residents of Jersey children’s homes have announced that they are suing the States in a move which could result in multi-million pound compensation pay-outs.

Anna Reaney and two others, who did not want to be named, are the first Islanders to seek redress in the courts for the alleged abuse that they suffered while in care.

They will be represented by the same Dublin-based law firm which successfully won 1.2 billion euros in compensation for 14,000 people abused by Catholic clergy in Ireland. Lawyers working for the firm Lavelle Coleman also secured public apologies from former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahearn and the Pope.

Lavelle Coleman have agreed to work on the case for nothing and will take no share in any payouts. The announcement of the launch of a lawsuit was made on Saturday at a public meeting called by Jersey Care Leavers Association, which was formed to support former residents of children’s homes.

• Picture: Association chairwoman Anna Reaney (left) at Saturday’s meeting. Picture by Rob Currie (00585335)