Courts / Waterford / Report
'Protected by the habit he wore': victims of Christian Brother give statements
Summary
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, victims of an 87‑year‑old former Christian Brother, who abused 19 boys in the 1970s, presented impact statements. They described lasting anxiety, trust issues, alcohol problems, and the fear of being disbelieved because the perpetrator was a religious teacher. The abuse, which involved inappropriate touching and intimidation, was carried out while the boys were in class or after school. The victims, now men in their late 50s and early 60s, said the perpetrator's habit and position protected him. They expressed relief that justice was finally being served after 47 years. The court heard the defendant, who is currently serving a three‑year, two‑month sentence for other counts, has serious health problems and no prior convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16. The unnamed 87-year-old pleaded guilty and was found guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Protected by the habit he wore': victims of Christian Brother give statements. Charges or matters: 19 sample counts of indecently assaulting 19 boys when he was a teacher in a Leinster school in the 1970s. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- October 16 Adjournment
- 1974 and 1978 Incident
- 1975 and 1976 Other
- 2023-10-06 Publication
Why: One man described how he could never tell his parents because they were "good Catholics". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 19 sample counts of indecently assaulting 19 boys when he was a teacher in a Leinster school in the 1970s (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Several of the now 87-year-old teacher's victims were in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his sentence hearing after he pleaded guilty to 19 sample counts of indecently assaulting 19 boys when he was a teacher in a Leinster school in the 1970s.; Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter for sentencing on October 16.
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