Former Christian Brother Found Guilty of Decades of Sexual Abuse
This chilling story exposes the systematic abuse perpetrated by former Christian Brother Paul Dunleavy, who has been sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison for 36 charges of historical sexual abuse against nine boys. The abuse, spanning from 1964 to 1991, took place at four schools across Belfast, Newry, and Armagh, leaving lasting scars on the victims’ lives.
Dunleavy (89), who already served jail time for previous sexual offenses against children, appeared unremorseful in Belfast Crown Court as Judge Patrick Lynch KC delivered the verdict.
"In this case, the world would have been in a better place had he not served a lifetime in religious and public service," stated Judge Lynch, highlighting the devastating impact of Dunleavy’s actions.
A Legacy of Trauma: Victims Speak Out
Two victims, who chose to remain anonymous, bravely shared their harrowing experiences with the court.
One man, now 64 years old, recalled the abuse he suffered at the Abbey Christian Brothers primary school in Newry during the 1970s.
"In the classroom, ass you would have reading; I was always called over to his left-hand side,” he recounted. “When the boys were reading, he would drop the hand down and put his hand between my legs.”
This blatant abuse, he explained, was often disguised under the guise of discipline. Refusing Dunleavy’s advances resulted in being ostracized and punished by the other children:
“Right, that’s it – everybody back to class; and you all know who to blame,” Dunleavy reacted when the man resisted his advances during a football game.
The man, who came from a poor family, believes Dunleavy targeted him because he couldn’t afford a school uniform.
"The people in class with uniforms – he never bothered them,” he said.
The trauma of the abuse left him feeling worthless and plagued by self-loathing. He described a deep sense of guilt, believing that he could have prevented the abuse inflicted on younger boys.
A second victim, a 58-year-old recovering alcoholic, shared a similar story of abuse suffered at St Aidan’s primary school in west Belfast. He too came from a underprivileged background, leaving him vulnerable to Dunleavy’s advances.
"He was like a dark shadow, always around, at football matches, in changing rooms, but always in the background," he recalled.
The abuse, he confided, eroded his self-esteem and damaged his relationships with women.
He found solace in Alcoholics Anonymous and has been sober for 19 years. Even in his darkest moments, the memory of Dunleavy haunted him and his fellow sufferers:
“When we were drinking in the fields, you know, someone would start crying. And someone would say, ‘Oh, here we go,’ and someone would say, ‘Oh, it must be Dunleavy.’”
Seeking Justice: A Long Road to Accountability
The victims’ testimonies shed light on the systemic abuse that plagued these institutions for decades. Their courage in coming forward, despite the immense pain and shame associated with such trauma, plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future abuse.
This case serves as a stark reminder that the fight for justice for survivors of sexual abuse is ongoing. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, support systems for survivors, and a commitment to creating safe environments for all children.
The Road to Healing: Resources and Support
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you heal and find support:
- [Link to relevant website/organization]
- [Link to another relevant website/organization]
By sharing these stories and providing access to helpful resources, we can work towards creating a world where survivors of sexual abuse can find healing and justice.
