Former St Bede’s staff member facing historical abuse charges

Fr Donoghue, 68, abandoned his fight for name suppression last week after taking legal advice. He is facing 11 charges, including six counts of indecent assault on a boy between 12 and 16, three charges for indecent assault on a man/boy over 16, and two counts of unlawful sexual connection with a male over 16.

It had been announced late last year that a former St Bede’s staffer was facing those charges. The charges relate to alleged offending between 1996 to 2000.

His lawyer, Josh Lucas, said that his client “is relying on the justice system to deliver a fair outcome to the charges made against him, for all parties concerned”.

“He asks for privacy and will not be available for further comment or information so as to ensure that a just conclusion to these proceedings can occur,” Mr Lucas said.

Police are encouraging anyone who has information that could be relevant to the investigation to come forward.

“You can make a report at your local Police station or contact Police on 105 online referencing file number: 230122/3143,” a statement from Police added.

Anyone who has a concern or complaint about abuse in a Catholic setting is encouraged to contact the Police or the Church’s National Office for Professional Standards on 0800 114 622.

FULL STORY

Former St Bede’s College staff member accused of sexual offending named | RNZ News (Radio New Zealand)

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