Sexual abuse civil claim: legal battle over alleged abuse continues
A High Court ruling allows a woman to continue her sexual abuse civil claim against her brother. The court found no unfair trial risk despite a 40-year delay in bringing the case.
RTE Investigates to spotlight the Christian Brothers abuse and asset handling
Philip Treacy of Coleman Legal features on RTE Investigates to highlight legal challenges survivors face in Christian Brothers abuse cases.
Christian brother who sexually assaulted seven boys while teaching in Kilkenny school had also abused 22 others
The Kilkenny school sexual abuse case involving Martin O’Flaherty reveals the suffering of 29 boys, with recent court proceedings uncovering new victims after 40 years.
John McClean, a former rugby coach at Terenure College, has been found guilty of assaulting four more youths
John McClean, a former teacher at Terenure College, has been convicted of further offences in the Terenure College abuse scandal involving multiple former students.
Radiographer found guilty of professional misconduct at Tallaght Hospital
A radiographer at Tallaght Hospital was dismissed after a complaint about inappropriate conduct during an X-ray on a teenage patient. A CORU inquiry found him guilty of professional misconduct, leading to conditions on his registration.
Personal trainer at Mullingar gym convicted of sexual assault
Shane Flynn, 35, owner of a Mullingar clinic, was convicted of sexual assault after inappropriately touching a client seeking back pain relief. The investigation also revealed 18 hours of footage showing Flynn secretly filming 35 women during massages, raising further concerns about his conduct and abuse of trust within his practice.
Taxi driver who sexually assaulted teenage passenger handed five and a half year sentence
Naveed Rana, a Dublin taxi driver, was sentenced to five and a half years for the assault of an 18-year-old woman after a night out. The court heard how Rana took advantage of the victim’s trust, driving erratically and assaulting her before being apprehended due to her quick actions in reporting the incident to Garda.
Special needs schools account for a disproportionate number of historical sexual abuse claims at religious-run institutions
The Scoping Inquiry report revealed 590 allegations of sexual abuse in special schools, disproportionately affecting vulnerable children. The abuse spanned 17 special schools, with over 190 abusers implicated. Institutions like Lota and Holy Family School were key sites of abuse. Survivors of abuse in special schools are encouraged to seek confidential support.
Garda contacted over 160 times in three days following publication of inquiry into sexual abuse at religious schools
An Garda Síochána has received more than 160 reports of historical sexual abuse in religious-run schools since launching a public appeal. The reports follow the release of the Scoping Inquiry, which uncovered nearly 3,000 claims of abuse. Survivors are encouraged to contact Garda, who have assured privacy and support throughout the investigation process.
Former school swim coach Derry O’Rourke jailed for 10 years for rape and sexual assault
Derry O’Rourke, a former Irish swim coach with a history of sexual crimes, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of a young girl between 1989 and 1990. Despite his attempts to claim innocence, O’Rourke was found guilty of multiple offences, with the judge condemning him as a “serial child abuser.” The courageous victim, who was only 13 at the time, detailed the traumatic impact of his actions in court.
Former girls swim coach found guilty of child sexual abuse for a fourth time
Derry O’Rourke, a former Irish swim coach, has been convicted of child sexual abuse for the fourth time. The 78-year-old was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl 35 years ago.
Coleman Legal settle High Court sexual abuse case against Scouting Ireland
A High Court case against Scouting Ireland and a convicted former scout leader for sexual abuse in the 80s settled. The victim, haunted by the abuse, experiences lasting psychological and physical effects.
Campaigner Louise O’Keefe urges stricter supervision on abuse redress efforts
Louise O’Keefe criticises the Irish government for failing to fully implement the European Court’s ruling on child sex abuse redress, despite creating schemes that exclude many survivors.
A former teacher and judge, Gerard O’Brien misused his disability to sexually assault students
Gerard O’Brien, a former judge and teacher, has been found guilty of attempted rape and eight counts of sexual assault, using his disability to manipulate and abuse students at CBC Monkstown in Dublin.
Penneys security guard sentenced for sexually assaulting teenage customer
Dublin security guard Abdul Rahman Mohammed, 35, gets five years for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old at Penneys, Dundrum. Victim shoplifted; Mohammed demanded money after assault.
11-year prison sentence for Kildare man who locked his ex in a car to viciously beat her
Anthony Mockler, a Kildare man, receives an 11-year prison term for a vicious attack on his ex-partner, leaving her permanently scarred. Despite a history of violence, he faces stringent conditions upon release.
Former scout leader and prolific paedophile sentenced to prison
Jim Harmon, a former scout leader, was sentenced to six years and eight months for sexually assaulting five boys in Clare and Limerick during the 1970s and 1980s.
Former DUP Leader faces historical sex charges at Newry Court
Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of the DUP, appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to respond to charges of historical sexual offences, while a 58-year-old woman faces related charges.
Abuse survivor waives anonymity as her father is sentenced to 13 years in prison
Patrick Honan, 69, of Doonbeg, Co Clare, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for abusing his daughter Noreen for 13 years. Noreen bravely waived her anonymity to seek justice.
Report reveals 93 abuse complaints against Jesuit Priest
Former Jesuit priest Joseph Marmion faces 93 abuse complaints. A recent report highlights failures in handling allegations, urging more victims to come forward.
HSE commission comprehensive review of nursing home where resident was raped
The HSE announces a thorough review of nursing home records after a staff member’s rape conviction. Concerns about further incidents prompt broader scrutiny despite potential distress to affected families.
Spiritan Congregation agrees to settlement in Rockwell College sexual abuse claim
Derek McCarthy settled his claim against the Spiritan Congregation for abuse suffered at Rockwell College in the 70s, marking a step towards his healing.
McDonald’s to launch investigation into workplace bullying targeted at rape victim
McDonalds CEO Alistair Macrow announces an investigation into claims of workplace abuse following Ciara Mangan’s rape by a colleague. Mangan endured months of harassment, prompting calls for better workplace protections.
Survivor-centred, scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools announced by Minister for Education
The Department of Education has launched an inquiry, led by Mary O’Toole SC, to investigate historical sexual abuse in religious-run schools, emphasizing survivor testimonies and safeguarding practices.
John McClean, former teacher at Terenure College, to serve 12 years total imprisonment
John McClean received an additional four-year sentence for sexually abusing students at Terenure College between 1971 and 1992, adding to his existing 11-year sentence.
52 legal cases to be heard over Scouting Ireland sexual abuse allegations
More than 50 victims have reported historical sexual abuse within Scouting Ireland, with legal cases initiated and a proposed redress scheme still pending.
Former Terenure college teacher and rugby coach pleads guilty to two abuse offences
John McClean, former teacher and rugby coach at Terenure College, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two students between 1981 and 1987. He faces 45 more allegations.
Over €1m paid out in compensation by the Vincentian Community after 45 instances of abuse alleged against 9 priests
Over €1m Paid Out in Compensation by The Vincentian Community After 45 Instances of Abuse Alleged Against 9 Priests
Over €5m in clerical abuse settlements, support services paid by Spiritans
The Spiritans in Ireland, also referred to as the Holy Ghost Order, has revealed that it has paid over €5 million since 2004 in settlement claims and towards abuse and support services.
Review of child sexual abuse in St John ambulance complete
The examination, headed by a former special rapporteur on child protection, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, considered interviews from up to 100 people, including both victims and members of St John Ambulance.
Convicted rapist ordered to pay €315,000 to victim of sexual abuse by the High Court
A woman has been awarded €315,000 in damages by the High Court following prolonged sexual abuse at the hands of her parent’s friend, who was also her neighbour.
Follow-up Brandon Report sparks fears of further abuse
A second report into incidents of sexual abuse in Ard Greine Court, a disability centre in Donegal, has sparked fears that further allegations of assault will be uncovered.
Multiple complaints made to the Order of Malta before sexual abuser was removed from the organisation
Scott Browne, who was 27 when the abuse occurred, was jailed for nine and a half years in 2020 for his assaults on the young boys.
Attorney General advises against the publishing of the complete Brandon Report
The Department of Health has been advised by the Attorney General not to publish the full Brandon report, the sexual abuse of residents.
Former scout leader sentenced to five years in prison for sexual assaults on 10 boys
Former scout leader sentenced to prison for five years pleading guilty to 29 charges of sexually and indecently assaulting ten boys.
Concerns regarding child abuse in St John Ambulance described as “open secretâ€
Former members of the St John Ambulance paramedic organisation have claimed that concerns about alleged child sexual abuse in the 1990s by a past senior officer were an “open secret†in the organisation for years. The abuser, who is now in his 80s, was a member of the organisation from the 1950s till at least […]
Oxfam Aid Workers Face Further Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and Mismanagement
In 2018, it was revealed by The Times that sexual exploitation by Oxfam workers in Haiti, from 2010 to 2011, had been covered up. But despite being recently cleared to apply for Government aid funds Oxfam is again facing allegations of bullying, mismanagement, and sexual exploitation by senior managers, this time in the Democratic Republic of Congo […]
Oireachtas Justice Committee Hears Submissions on Provision of Independent Legal Representation for Victims of Sexual Assault
On March 24th, the Oireachtas Justice Committee began hearing evidence on the issues surrounding giving testimony by victims of rape and sexual assault. As well as receiving numerous submissions, the committee will listen to oral evidence from the Department of Justice, the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, Men’s Aid, One in Four, and the Bar of […]
Further Allegations of Sexual Assault have Emerged in Relation to Irish Defence Forces
Concerns have been raised by numerous former members of the Defence Forces in relation to the manner in which allegations of sexual abuse and assault have been handled. It is claimed that there exists a culture of ignoring sexual assault. This claim is disputed by the Irish Defence Forces. Mr. Anthony O’ Brien a former […]
Dr. Geoffrey Shannon to head review Into Historical Abuse at St John Ambulance
The Board of St John Ambulance has appointed Dr. Geoffrey Shannon as the head of an independent probe into the handling of historical child sex abuse allegations. Dr. Geoffrey Shannon is a leading authority on child law and is the Government’s former Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. As a result of an investigation by the […]
Further Victim of Fr. Joseph Marmion comes forward regarding abuse at Belvedere College
On Tuesday 2nd of March, 2021, the Jesuit Order released a statement identifying Fr. Joseph Marmion SJ who had “abused boys sexually, emotionally and physically†while he taught at Belvedere College Dublin from 1969 until 1978. The decision to identify Fr. Joseph Marmion came to the following contact in 2019 by a student who had […]
Jesuit Order release name of priest who abused students at Belvedere College
Belvedere College School, Dublin, has publicly named a Jesuit Priest, Father Joseph Marmion SJ, “who abused boys sexually emotionally and physically†during his time as a teacher at the School from 1969 until 1978.  The decision to name Joseph Marmion came following communication between the Jesuits and a former student of Belvedere College. The […]
French actor Gerard Depardieu was charged with rape and assault of an actress in her 20s.
Renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu (72) was charged with the rape and assault of an actress in her 20s on Tuesday. The unnamed actress alleged that she was assaulted and raped by Gerard Depardieu on two separate occasions in his home in Paris in August 2018, reported by French newspaper Le Parisien and broadcaster BFM […]
Former coach John McClean sentenced to an 8-year prison term for sexually abusing pupils between 1973 and 1990
On Thursday, 18 February 2021, John McClean (76) from Casimir Avenue, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with the final three years suspended, after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting 23 pupils between 1973 and 1990 in Terenure College, as reported by The Irish Times. The victims were aged between 12 and 17 at […]
Former Terenure College teacher admitted sexual abuse to a senior priest when questioned 25 years ago
A former teacher and rugby coach was sentenced for 27 counts of indecent assault on 23 schoolboys aged between 12 and 17 at Terenure College in South Dublin between 1973 to 1990, as reported by the Independent. From 1966 to 1996,  Mr. John McClean (76) of Casimir Avenue, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, worked as an English teacher and rugby coach […]
Retired Former Scout leader from Cork arrested for alleged sexual assault of young boys
Former Dublin school rugby coach admits sexual abuse of 23 victims
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Scouting Ireland Abuse Report
Scouting Ireland published a report on May 15th, 2020, revealing a cover-up of sexual abuse. Victims call for action, and the report criticises poor governance and cronyism within the organisation.
Publication of ‘Damning Report’ Leads to Calls for Garda Investigation of Sexual Abuse Cover-Up by Scouting Ireland
The publication of an official report into historical cases of sexual abuse involving Scouting Ireland has stated that there is evidence of a complete lack of regard for the young people that were involved. There have been calls for a full investigation into the scandal to be conducted by the Gardai. The report, which was […]
Former film mogul Harvey Weinstein convicted of rape and sexual assault
29-year-old man on trial for sexual assault at crèche
A twenty-nine-year-old man who worked at a crèche in Leinster has pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of sexual assault that happened between February 2015 and December 2016. He is accused of sexually assaulting four young girls who were between the ages of five and eight years old at the time of the assault. The […]
Sexual abuse lawsuits caused Boy Scouts of America to file for bankruptcy
With almost 2.2 million members aged between 7 and 21 and nearly 1 million volunteers in local councils, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), founded in 1910, is one of the largest non-profit youth organisations in the United States. Former presidents of the BSA include ex-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Secretary of Defence […]
Women raped and sexually assaulted by former boyfriend in her sleep
Niamh Nà Dhomhnaill, a woman recurrently raped and sexually assaulted by her erstwhile boyfriend, Mr. Magnus Meyer Hustveit, was granted €1 million in damages by a jury at the High Court after trying to take her own life in September 2013. She took legal action utilizing civil proceedings in the High Court against the aforementioned […]
Scouting Ireland’s abuse claims requests public examination
The additional 80 claims recently announced may only be the tip of the iceberg
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″] Update on Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland Children’s Minister, Katherine Zappone, stated yesterday that there have been an additional 80 people who have contacted the Scouts helpline within the last week. The Minister also added that she will get a verified update on the number […]
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland As with any profession involving the care of children, Scouting Ireland must adhere to strict guidelines regarding Garda vetting of volunteers, both senior and junior, to ensure the safety of the children in their care. In recent news, four senior Scouting Ireland figures have stood down from their positions […]
Government opposition to Fianna Fáil motion on abuse victim redress
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2.2″] Primary school children victims of sexual abuse could seek redress from the State A motion put forward by Fianna Fáil to ensure all survivors of child sex abuse in primary school can seek redress from the State is being opposed by the Government has been opposed by the Government. […]
Alleged assault at Dublin boarding school investigated
An investigation is under way into an alleged assault that took place in the Lucan area last Thursday 24th November. This has been confirmed by Gardai. It has been reported that eight pupils have been suspended following an alleged incident at King’s Hospital School in Palmerstown. This follows a claim that a 13 year old […]
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission requests the Council of Europe to assess whether Irish rulings on Abuse Claims are meeting Strasbourg Standards
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission requests the Council of Europe to assess whether Irish rulings on Abuse Claims are meeting Strasbourg Standards. The Council of Europe has been requested to carry out a review for the purposes of assessing whether or not Ireland is in compliance with rulings delivered by the European Court of […]
Kincora Boys’ Home – NI abuse survivors compensation ‘could reach €30m’
Kincora Boys’ Home – NI abuse survivors compensation ‘could reach €30m’ Campaigners have warned that the bill for compensation of child abuse survivors in Northern Ireland could reach €30 million. The number of victims that could be eligible to make claims over their treatment in institutions from 1922-1995 amounts to more than 520 people, including […]
HSE aware of ‘Mary’ case much sooner than first admitted
HSE aware of ‘Mary’ case much sooner than first admitted It has recently been discovered by RTE’s investigative programme ‘This Week’ that the HSE were aware of the ‘Mary’ case involving a young woman with intellectual disabilities that was deemed to be at risk, much earlier than first reported. ‘Mary’ was left in a foster […]
The right to anonymity in sex offence cases in Ireland
The right to anonymity in sex offence cases in Ireland There are variations between UK anonymity laws and those in Ireland as has been highlighted by trials of various TV soap stars in the UK for sex offences. In Ireland, laws prohibit the identification of the rape accused prior to conviction. Within Irish law, those […]
Settlement of Sexual Abuse Claim
Settlement of Sexual Abuse Claim Coleman Legal Partners have successfully settled the first negligence claim of its kind in relation to a woman who was severely sexually abused by two siblings while she was placed in a day-fostering arrangement by the HSE. The Plaintiff was eight years old when she spent one year in the […]
Successful Settlement of Childhood Sexual Abuse Case
Coleman Legal Partners were recently involved in the successful High Court Civil jury trial regarding childhood sexual abuse. The claimant in this case alleges she was raped and sexually abused by her brother, between 1976 and 1980, when she was just eight years of age, and was awarded €150,000 damages by a High Court jury […]
Male Domestic Abuse
Male Domestic Abuse – Safety Order Refused A recent ruling in the family court has refused a safety order for a husband who locks himself into his bedroom nightly out of alleged fear of his wife. The judge refused the order stating the man hadn’t met the standard required for the court to meet the […]