Marist priest pleads guilty to abuse charges

Fr Rowan Donoghue, now 69, pleaded guilty last year to six charges, five of which are representative, including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. The offending related to four boys between 1996 and 2000.

On January 28, a suppression order was lifted allowing publication of Fr Donoghue’s plea. The plea had been suppressed until other charges were dismissed. At the end of the hearing, Fr Donoghue was remanded in custody by Judge Jane Farish. He will be sentenced on May 13.

In early 2023, police were contacted with allegations of sexual abuse by Fr Donoghue and an investigation began. In September 2024, Fr Donoghue was arrested.

St Bede’s College rector Jon McDowall said the details outlined through the court process were “deeply disturbing”.

“As Rector, it makes me feel sick to think that young people entrusted to an adult’s care were abused in this way. I am deeply sorry that this happened to them, and my thoughts are with the victims and survivors who continue to live with the impact of that harm.”

Mr McDowall said the school had worked openly with police throughout the process.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities should any further information come to light. Abuse has no place at St Bede’s – past, present, or future.”

Mr McDowall extended an open invitation for victims in the case, and others who may have been impacted, or anyone with concerns to contact him directly.

The Society of Mary said: “Our first thoughts are with those who came forward and described what happened to them. We extend our apologies to them, and will seek to do so personally at an appropriate time. We deeply regret the hurt or harm caused.”

Fr Donoghue was stood down from public ministry after an anonymous complaint was received in 2007. The Society of Mary encouraged the complainant to contact police.

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

Sex offending by priest Rowan Donoghue ‘deeply disturbing’, school says (by Sam Sherwood/Radio New Zealand)

Priest admitted sexual abuse nearly 20 years ago, church sent him overseas without notifying police (Radio New Zealand)