Medics speak out for first time after court found they failed to adequately care for man who died

A Jersey paramedic and an ambulance technician say they are being "restricted" from telling the truth after both were found guilty of failing to adequately care for a man in the moments before he died.

In their first public statement since the verdict and talking exclusively to ITV News, John Sutherland, 61, and Tom Le Sauteur, 36, say their employer - Jersey Ambulance Service - has told them not to speak about the incident, their suspension or the police investigation that led to their charge.

They explain: "This restriction of the truth is not something that either of us are comfortable with and will be discussing with our employer when, and not if, this information can be made public."

Both men were convicted at Jersey's Royal Court of breaching health and safety law following an eight-day jurats trial - they had denied any wrongdoing.

The pair say they are "incredibly moved and humbled by the support of fellow frontline workers, family, friends and the public".

They add: "It is a testament to the incredible character of our island community that it has been our honour to serve."

Medics will hold a peaceful protest to stand in solidarity with their colleagues outside Jersey's Ambulance Station in St Helier at 6pm on Friday 28 June.

In response to Sutherland and Le Sauteur's comments, Kate Briden, Chief Officer for Jersey's Justice and Home Affairs Department, says: "The two men are not being restricted from telling the truth, in fact, they have already both given evidence in the recent court case.

"They have been reminded of their contractual obligations which state they need the permission of their Chief Officer if they wish to speak to the media. These are the same terms that apply to every member of the public service.

"The service has not made any further comment because the men could appeal against their sentence, there's still an inquest due to be held and an internal investigation has yet to begin."

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