Former Christian Brother convicted of child-sex offences Brother Damien John O’Dempsey was a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers who worked as a teacher, school principal and provincial administrator in Queensland and New South Wales. His career included appointments at several Catholic educational institutions, where he held positions of authority over children and adolescents. O’Dempsey was convicted of child-sex offences in Queensland in 1994. Further criminal proceedings followed in connection with alleged abuse at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, in New South Wales. Records associated with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse also identify allegations concerning several schools where he had worked. Teaching and administrative appointments O’Dempsey spent much of his career in the Christian Brothers’ Queensland province. His reported appointments included: · St Patrick’s College, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane · St Mary’s Christian Brothers College, Toowoomba · Ignatius Park College, Townsville · St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon · St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, New South Wales · Parade Preparatory College, Alphington, Victoria The available material also identifies an appointment as secretary of the Christian Brothers’ Queensland province in the early 1990s. This administrative position placed him within the province’s leadership structure. The Royal Commission’s records identify allegations concerning O’Dempsey at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba; Ignatius Park College; Parade Preparatory College; and St Patrick’s College, Strathfield. Allegations have also been reported concerning his time at other institutions. 1987: Offences at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba On 16 December 1994, O’Dempsey pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court to six counts of indecent dealing with a child. The offences concerned a boy who was 15 years old in 1987, when O’Dempsey was principal of St Mary’s Christian Brothers College in Toowoomba. According to contemporary court reporting, prosecutor Ross Martin told the court that O’Dempsey had indecently touched the student in several locations, including his office, a classroom and the student’s bedroom. Judge John Robertson sentenced O’Dempsey to 18 months’ imprisonment, with parole eligibility after four months. The sentence was reported in the Courier-Mail on 17 December 1994. 1998: Further proceedings concerning alleged abuse in Townsville In November 1998, O’Dempsey faced further proceedings concerning allegations made by a former student, identified here as “Tim”. The allegations concerned events at Ignatius Park College in Townsville between 1981 and 1984, when the student was approximately 13 to 16 years old. According to the account provided, O’Dempsey had offered the boy additional tuition and support following the death of his father. The allegations included repeated sexual abuse and serious sexual assaults. The matter came to police attention after detectives contacted former students while investigating allegations against another Christian Brother. In November 1998, Magistrate Brian Williams ordered O’Dempsey to stand trial. The committal proceedings were reported in the Courier-Mail on 24 November 1998. The proposed trial did not proceed after the complainant withdrew from the process amid deteriorating mental health. The proceedings were therefore abandoned. These allegations should be distinguished from the offences for which O’Dempsey was convicted in 1994. 2001: Departure from the Christian Brothers Records cited in material concerning O’Dempsey state that he was dispensed from the Christian Brothers in 2001, following criminal charges and related proceedings. 2006: Proceedings concerning St Patrick’s College, Strathfield Records relating to O’Dempsey state that in 2006 he pleaded guilty to offences associated with sexual abuse at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, in 1981. The reported sentence was two years’ imprisonment, with a 12-month non-parole period, wholly suspended subject to a two-year good-behaviour bond, supervision by the Adult Probation and Parole Service, and continued treatment. The precise charges, sentencing terms and legal outcome should be checked against the relevant court records before publication. 2010: Apology and settlement According to the historical account supplied for this profile, the Christian Brothers provided a written apology and reached a settlement with a former student identified as “Tim” in 2010. An earlier settlement was also reported in relation to a complainant identified as “Brian”. These reported settlements are relevant to the history of institutional responses to complaints. They should not be treated as independent proof of allegations beyond those established in criminal proceedings. Further allegations Additional allegations have been reported concerning O’Dempsey’s conduct towards students at other Catholic schools, including St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon. One account describes a former student who allegedly experienced inappropriate attention and weekend trips with O’Dempsey following the death of his father. The account also reports that the student later died by suicide. These claims require careful attribution and independent verification. The circumstances of the student’s death should not be presented as causally linked to alleged abuse unless reliable evidence establishes that connection. Institutional accountability The history of Damien John O’Dempsey illustrates the importance of documenting court-established offences separately from allegations, institutional responses and unresolved claims. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse examined how institutions responded to child sexual abuse, including failures in safeguarding and complaint handling. Records of convictions, court proceedings and documented institutional responses can help preserve the historical record, support public accountability and inform child-protection practices.

Brian Robert Gordon was born on 15 December 1942 and became a member of the Marist Brothers religious order. He taught in New South Wales during the 1960s and early 1970s, including at a Marist Brothers primary school at Dundas in Sydney. 1964–1972: Teaching as a Marist Brother Gordon taught as a Marist Brother in New South Wales from 1964 until 1972. During his time teaching at the Marist Brothers school at Dundas, he sexually abused boys who were his pupils. The offences that later came before the courts involved four boys, each approximately 11 years old, and occurred between 1969 and 1971. According to evidence subsequently heard in court, several parents complained to Marist Brothers authorities about Gordon's conduct during 1971–72. Gordon admitted the allegations to his religious superiors. Rather than reporting the complaints to police, the Marist authorities told the parents that Gordon would be removed. Gordon later told the court that his superiors advised him to change schools and "put it behind him." In early 1972, Gordon left the Marist Brothers and subsequently continued his career as a lay teacher. 1972–1996: Continued career in Catholic education After leaving the religious order, Gordon moved to Queensland and obtained teaching positions within Catholic education. According to evidence presented during his later criminal proceedings, the information concerning the allegations against him was not passed on to the relevant Catholic education authorities in Queensland. Gordon subsequently rose to a senior administrative position within Catholic education in Brisbane, eventually becoming Deputy Director of Catholic Education for the Brisbane Archdiocese. His continued employment within Catholic education meant that the allegations made against him while he was a Marist Brother did not prevent him from pursuing a substantial career in the education system. 1996: Previous complaints uncovered Gordon's history came to light again in 1996, when one of his former pupils reported the matter to the Wood Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service, which was examining allegations concerning corruption and paedophilia. The information was subsequently investigated by New South Wales Police. Further former pupils of Gordon were identified, leading to criminal charges. 1998: Criminal conviction and imprisonment On 28 September 1998, Gordon appeared in the Sydney District Court. He was then aged 55–56 and pleaded guilty to several offences involving the sexual abuse of boys at the Dundas school. A jury subsequently found him guilty of additional offences. The court ultimately dealt with eight sexual offences involving four boys. Gordon received a sentence of 12 months' imprisonment, with a minimum term of six months. The offences included multiple counts of indecent assault and acts of indecency. Other allegations were not proceeded with as part of the resolution of the case. The court's criticism of the Marist Brothers The handling of the complaints by the Marist Brothers was strongly criticised during the proceedings. The court heard that parents had brought their concerns to Marist authorities years before Gordon was prosecuted. The allegations were not reported to police at the time. The court also heard evidence concerning one of Gordon's former pupils who had been taken to a priest for confession following the abuse. The child was given a religious penance involving prayers. Judge Kenneth Horler commented on the impact that the abuse had had on the victim, including its continuing effect on his personality and attitude towards authority. The judge also criticised the Marist Brothers for their handling of the original complaints and their failure to ensure that Gordon's history was communicated to the Brisbane Archdiocese. The court considered that the Marist Brothers had to "bear some responsibility" for what had occurred. 2005: Later historical research Further information about Gordon's departure from the Marist Brothers emerged in a University of Sydney thesis completed in 2005 by former Marist Brother John Braniff, who had been known within the order as Brother Valerian. Braniff's thesis, The Marist Brothers' Teaching Tradition in Australia 1872–2000, examined the history and teaching practices of the Marist Brothers in Australia. On page 196, Braniff described a former Marist Brother who had become the subject of complaints from parents concerning sexual abuse of students. The Brother subsequently resigned from the order and continued working as a layman within an interstate Catholic education office until he was prosecuted in the late 1990s. Although Braniff did not identify the man by name in the thesis, the circumstances correspond to Gordon's known history. Braniff wrote that the reason for the Brother's departure appeared to have been "hushed up" at the time. He also recorded that the school newsletter described the departure simply as being "for personal reasons". The account provides additional historical context concerning how Gordon's departure from the Marist Brothers was presented publicly at the time. Significance of the case The Gordon case illustrates how allegations of child sexual abuse could be dealt with internally by religious institutions rather than being reported to police. In Gordon's case, complaints were made by parents while he was still a Marist Brother, and he admitted the allegations to his superiors. Nevertheless, he left the order and subsequently obtained employment within Catholic education in another state. His eventual prosecution followed a former pupil's decision, many years later, to report the abuse. The case also demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between criminally established offending and broader allegations or institutional criticisms. Gordon was convicted in 1998 of offences against four boys; the court also examined the earlier handling of complaints by the Marist Brothers and criticised aspects of that institutional response. Key dates Year Event 1942 Brian Robert Gordon born on 15 December. 1964 Began teaching as a Marist Brother in New South Wales. 1969–1971 Sexual offences against boys at the Marist Brothers school at Dundas, Sydney. 1971–72 Parents complained to Marist authorities; Gordon admitted the allegations to his superiors. 1972 Gordon left the Marist Brothers and subsequently continued teaching as a layman. 1970s–1990s Continued working within Catholic education in Queensland and eventually held a senior administrative position. 1996 A former pupil reported the matter to the Wood Royal Commission; police subsequently investigated. 1998 Gordon was prosecuted and sentenced in the Sydney District Court following convictions for sexual offences against four boys. 2005 Former Marist Brother John Braniff's University of Sydney thesis provided further historical information about the circumstances surrounding Gordon's departure from the order.

Teaching Career Brother Robert George Chambers was a member of the Christian Brothers who taught at a number of schools in Queensland, including: St Joseph's Christian Brothers College, Rockhampton (during the 1960s) Ignatius Park College, Townsville (during the 1980s) Air Rifle Assault Conviction On 10 October 2002, Brother Robert George Chambers, then aged 60, appeared in the Brisbane District Court, where he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm. The offence related to an incident in 1968 while Chambers was teaching at St Joseph's Christian Brothers College, Rockhampton. According to the court, Chambers stood at a window of the Christian Brothers' residence and fired an air rifle at a 12-year-old student in the school grounds, striking the boy twice in the back of his legs as he drank from a water fountain. Judge Julie Dick placed Chambers on a six-month good behaviour bond and imposed a $100 fine. During the proceedings, the prosecution advised the court that it had elected not to proceed with another, separate charge against Chambers. Ignatius Park College Brother Chambers later taught at Ignatius Park College, Townsville, during the 1980s. Former students have alleged that Chambers was widely known by the nickname "the Groper" while teaching at the school. These allegations have not been tested in court, and no criminal conviction is known to have resulted from them. Ignatius Park College was also the school where Brother Damien O'Dempsey was later convicted of numerous child sexual offences committed against students during the early 1980s. Some former students have speculated that Chambers may have had knowledge of, or involvement in, aspects of the abuse occurring at the school. However, no evidence has been produced establishing such involvement, no charges have been laid, and no court has made any findings against Chambers in relation to those allegations. Public Record As of the latest publicly available information, Brother Robert George Chambers has continued to be listed by the Christian Brothers as serving in a website management role.

Convicted Child Sexual Offender Sentenced to Decades in Prison Bernard Kevin McGrath, a former Brother of the Catholic Order of St John of God, was convicted of numerous sexual offences against boys in residential institutions in Australia and New Zealand. His offending spanned several years and involved vulnerable children, including boys with intellectual, educational and behavioural difficulties. Following multiple convictions, McGrath received lengthy prison sentences in both countries. Early life and entry into the St John of God Brothers Bernard Kevin McGrath was born on 22 May 1947 in New Zealand. At approximately 18 years of age, he joined the Catholic Order of St John of God (SJOG), a religious order that operated residential institutions for children and young people in Australia and New Zealand. McGrath undertook religious training in Sydney before working at SJOG institutions in Australia and New Zealand. During a videotaped interview with New Zealand detectives in 2003, subsequently presented in court, McGrath described his upbringing and experiences within the religious order. Evidence presented during the New Zealand proceedings included accounts of alleged sexual misconduct by a senior brother, referred to here as Brother X for identification and legal reasons. The proceedings also heard evidence about the institutional culture at Marylands, where complaints of sexual abuse were reportedly ignored and boys who spoke out were allegedly punished. 1974–1978: Marylands, Christchurch In January 1974, McGrath was transferred to Marylands, a St John of God residential institution near Christchurch, New Zealand. He worked there as a teacher and dormitory master for boys with learning and behavioural difficulties. During his time at Marylands, McGrath sexually abused boys in his care. Some children reportedly complained to senior members of the order but were not adequately protected. McGrath's 2003 videotaped interview included an account of a boy who approached him to complain about sexual abuse by another brother. McGrath acknowledged that he had failed to act, explaining that his own conduct made him reluctant to challenge the other brother. In approximately 1978, McGrath was transferred back to Kendall Grange, a St John of God residential institution at Morisset, near Newcastle in New South Wales. 1978–1986: Kendall Grange, New South Wales Kendall Grange accommodated boys with educational and other developmental difficulties. McGrath later admitted that he sexually abused boys while working at the institution. Former residents subsequently described the devastating effects of their experiences, including psychological distress, educational disruption and difficulties continuing with their lives. The allegations and convictions associated with Kendall Grange also raised serious questions about the institution's safeguarding practices, the handling of complaints and the responsibility of senior members of the religious order to protect children. 1986–1993: Hebron Trust and the first conviction In 1986, McGrath returned to Christchurch, New Zealand, where he established the Hebron Trust, a residential programme intended to teach life skills to young people experiencing difficulties. In 1991, two social workers raised concerns about McGrath's alleged indecent advances towards four young people attending the programme. After approaching the religious order without obtaining an adequate response, they contacted New Zealand police. Four boys, then aged between 14 and 16, reported indecent touching. Two former Marylands residents also made complaints concerning sexual abuse they said had occurred during their childhoods. In 1993, McGrath was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in New Zealand for offences associated with Marylands and the Hebron Trust. 1992–1997: Complaints from former Kendall Grange residents Complaints about McGrath's conduct at Kendall Grange had also reached the St John of God leadership in Australia. One former resident, identified by the pseudonym Alex, reported in 1992 that McGrath had abused him while he was a boarder between 1980 and 1984. Alex described how his experience at the institution contributed to his disillusionment with education and was followed by significant personal and social difficulties. Alex expected the religious order to report the allegations to New South Wales police but said this did not occur. Another former resident, identified as Jimmy, disclosed abuse to his mother in 1989. He said McGrath had sexually abused him at Kendall Grange in 1982–1983, when he was between 11 and 13 years old. In 1992, Jimmy's mother, identified as Jill, raised the matter with the Australian head of the order. According to her account, she was told that this was not the first complaint concerning McGrath. Jimmy subsequently provided a statement to police. After McGrath completed his New Zealand prison term, he was returned to Sydney, where he pleaded guilty to offences against Jimmy and was sentenced in 1997 to nine months' imprisonment. Jimmy's family later pursued compensation through lengthy legal proceedings, eventually accepting an out-of-court settlement. His mother described the emotional consequences for the family and her belief that the institution's handling of complaints had left children inadequately protected. Her account illustrates the wider harm experienced by families who discover years later that a child entrusted to an institution has been sexually abused. 2003–2008: Further convictions in New Zealand In 2002, further complainants approached New Zealand police concerning sexual abuse at Marylands involving McGrath and other members of the religious order. In March 2006, McGrath was convicted in the New Zealand High Court in Christchurch of 21 charges relating to his time at Marylands between 1974 and 1977. The convictions included eight charges of inducing an indecent act and 13 charges of indecent assault. He was acquitted of some other charges. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment. The court took his previous prison terms into account. According to a report published by The New Zealand Herald on 7 April 2010, McGrath was released on parole in February 2008, before completing the full five-year sentence. 2014–2018: Australian prosecution and 64 convictions In December 2014, McGrath was taken into custody in New Zealand and subsequently extradited to Australia to face further charges relating to Kendall Grange. His trial commenced in Sydney in May 2017. In November 2017, a jury found him guilty of 64 offences against 12 boys. The offences included multiple counts of buggery, sexual intercourse offences involving children, detaining a child for advantage, assault, indecent assault and gross indecency. The trial heard distressing evidence from former residents who described repeated sexual assaults. Evidence also indicated that some children had attempted to tell adults about the abuse but had not received the protection they needed. A non-publication order restricted the identification of McGrath, the religious order and the institution during the proceedings. The suppression order was lifted after the jury returned its verdict. On 16 February 2018, McGrath was sentenced in Sydney to 33 years' imprisonment for the 64 offences. The sentence included a minimum term of 21 years. With the sentence backdated to December 2014, his earliest eligibility for release was reported as falling in 2035, when he would be approximately 88 years old. December 2019: Additional convictions and sentence McGrath faced further proceedings in Sydney in 2019 concerning additional offences associated with Kendall Grange. On 18 December 2019, he received an additional sentence. Contemporary reports stated that the resulting sentence structure meant he would be approximately 97 before becoming eligible to apply for parole. Eligibility to apply for parole does not guarantee release. Any release would depend on the applicable legal arrangements and the relevant parole authority's decision. The wider significance: Institutional accountability and child protection The McGrath case highlights the risks faced by children placed in residential institutions, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties or behavioural challenges who depended on adults for their care and protection. The accounts of former residents and their families raise serious questions about whether complaints were acted upon, whether children were adequately safeguarded and whether information about suspected offending was communicated to the appropriate authorities. The case also demonstrates the importance of independent reporting, police investigation and judicial proceedings when allegations of child sexual abuse arise within religious institutions. The Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which operated from 2013 to 2017, examined institutional failures across a range of settings, including religious organisations and residential care. Its work underscored the importance of listening to survivors, responding appropriately to complaints, and establishing effective systems to prevent abuse. McGrath's convictions and lengthy sentences form part of the documented history of child sexual abuse in Catholic institutions in Australia and New Zealand. Recording such cases accurately helps preserve the historical record, acknowledges the experiences of survivors and supports public scrutiny of institutional accountability. Every survivor's account deserves to be treated seriously, and every institution entrusted with children's care must be held to appropriate standards of protection, transparency and accountability.

Religious order: Christian Brothers Queensland Province Died: November 1998, aged 65 Background John Gerard Gladwin was a member of the Christian Brothers in Queensland. During his religious life he was known as Brother Gerard Gladwin, although school records and photographs also identified him as Brother J.G. Gladwin. According to accounts concerning his career, Gladwin joined the Christian Brothers and worked at a number of Catholic schools in Queensland from the 1950s through to the 1970s. He had left the religious order by the latter part of the 1970s. Queensland school appointments Gladwin's reported appointments included: 1956: St Brendan's College, Yeppoon 1957–1962: A Christian Brothers school in Gympie 1960s: St Mary's College, Toowoomba Late 1960s: St Joseph's, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane Early 1970s: St Joseph's, Nudgee, Brisbane Mid-1970s: St Columban's boys' school, Brisbane This list may not represent all of the schools at which Gladwin worked. A school magazine from one of the institutions where he taught reportedly contains a staff photograph identifying him as “Brother J.G. Gladwin.” Accounts of his religious name state that J represented John and that Gerard became his religious middle name after joining the Christian Brothers. Allegations of sexual abuse Former students have alleged that Gladwin sexually abused schoolboys during his years working as a Christian Brother in Queensland. Because Gladwin died before criminal proceedings could take place, these allegations were never tested against him in a criminal trial. They should therefore be distinguished from offences for which a person has been convicted. Nevertheless, allegations concerning Gladwin were serious enough for Queensland police to investigate him during the 1990s. Police investigation in 1998 In 1998, Queensland police investigating historical child-sex offences were reportedly preparing to prosecute Gladwin over allegations concerning schoolboys from the 1960s and 1970s. Media reports stated that detectives from Taskforce Argos, the Queensland Police unit established to investigate child sexual abuse and related offences, had interviewed Gladwin concerning alleged offences dating from the 1960s. Before criminal proceedings could commence, however, Gladwin died. Death In November 1998, Gladwin, aged 65, was found dead inside his car on an isolated bush road on the outskirts of Brisbane Forest Park, north-west of Brisbane. Reports stated that he had died after being exposed to gas and that he had left a suicide note. His death ended the possibility of criminal prosecution against him. As a result, Gladwin was never convicted in a criminal court in relation to the allegations investigated by police. Civil action after his death Following his death, an Australian legal firm commenced civil proceedings on behalf of a former student who alleged that Gladwin had sexually abused him while he was a student at a Catholic school in Queensland during the 1970s. The proceedings reportedly named several parties connected with the operation and administration of the school, including Christian Brothers trustees, former operators or managers of the school and a former headmaster who had been involved in the school's administration at the time of the alleged incidents. Gladwin himself could not be named as a defendant because he had died in 1998. The civil action also created the possibility that other former students who believed they had been abused by Gladwin might come forward. Impact on a former student One former student, referred to as “Drew” in accounts of the allegations, described the lasting impact he says his experiences with Gladwin had on his life. Drew said that he encountered Gladwin at Nudgee College in Brisbane and that the experience severely affected his education and subsequent life. He described growing up in a Catholic environment in which children could feel unable to speak to their parents about negative experiences involving priests or Christian Brothers. According to his account, this contributed to his inability to disclose what had happened to him at the time. Drew said he subsequently left his education prematurely. He attributed his lack of formal education to serious difficulties later in life, including limited employment opportunities and periods of unemployment. He also described the effects on his personal relationships and said that he never married. According to his account, he moved repeatedly around Australia and did not establish a permanent home. Legacy The allegations concerning Brother John Gerard Gladwin illustrate the difficulties faced by survivors seeking justice decades after alleged abuse occurred. In cases where an accused person dies before criminal proceedings, there can be no criminal trial or conviction. Civil proceedings may nevertheless provide a means for survivors to pursue accountability against organisations or other parties that may have legal responsibility. Any allegations against Gladwin should be understood in that context: he was investigated by Queensland police and allegations were made against him, but he died before criminal charges could be brought to trial and was never convicted.

Early Life and Entry into the Christian Brothers Brother Donald Pascal Alford (1938–2004) was a member of the Christian Brothers. Born in 1938, Alford spent much of his childhood in Catholic orphanages. He received limited formal education before joining the Christian Brothers, where he completed further secondary education to approximately Year 10 level. At the age of 21, he made his religious profession and adopted the religious name Brother Pascal Alford. His first appointment was at a Christian Brothers school in Bundoora, Melbourne, before he was assigned to St Augustine's Boys' Home in Geelong. St Augustine's Boys' Home, Geelong From 1970 to 1978, Brother Alford worked at St Augustine's Boys' Home in Geelong, where he was responsible for supervising one of the dormitories. Years later, a number of former residents alleged that Alford had sexually abused them while they were in his care. Between 2001 and 2003, several former residents independently came forward with allegations of abuse dating back to the 1970s. The Christian Brothers subsequently made compensation payments to a number of survivors who alleged that they had been abused by Alford at St Augustine's. At least two former residents resolved civil claims through confidential out-of-court settlements with the Christian Brothers rather than pursuing litigation. Transfer to the United States After his time in Australia, Alford was transferred to the United States. He served for approximately ten years at Mount Saint John, a Catholic home and school for boys in Deep River, Connecticut. Further allegations of sexual abuse were made against him during his time there. Further Compensation Claim The allegations concerning Alford continued to result in legal claims decades after the alleged abuse. In 2021, another former resident instructed legal representatives to pursue compensation from the Christian Brothers for alleged abuse by Alford during his time at St Augustine's. Because Alford had died in 2004, any subsequent compensation claims were directed against the Christian Brothers rather than against him personally. Death and Burial Brother Donald Pascal Alford died in 2004. He was buried in the Christian Brothers' Cemetery at Parade College, Bundoora. His grave continues to identify him by his religious title. Summary Brother Donald Pascal Alford worked at St Augustine's Boys' Home in Geelong from 1970 to 1978, supervising boys in one of the dormitories. Years later, several former residents alleged that he had sexually abused them during their time at the institution. Beginning in the early 2000s, former residents pursued compensation claims against the Christian Brothers, with some claims reportedly resolved through payments and confidential settlements. After leaving Australia, Alford spent approximately ten years working at Mount Saint John in Connecticut, where further allegations of sexual abuse were made. He died in 2004 and was buried at the Christian Brothers' cemetery at Parade College, Bundoora.

Early Teaching Career Brother John (Kostka) Chute was a member of the Marist Brothers who taught at numerous Catholic schools in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory during his teaching career. His known appointments included: St Anne's Primary School, Bondi (1961–1962) St Joseph's School (later St Carthage's), Lismore (1967–1969) – Principal Marist College Penshurst (1969–1972) – Principal of the primary school Marcellin Junior College, Coogee (1973) Marist Brothers Parramatta (1975) – Principal Marist College Canberra (1976 and 1983–1989) Sexual Abuse at St Anne's Primary School Three former students later alleged that Brother Chute sexually abused them while they attended St Anne's Primary School, Bondi, between 1961 and 1962. The Marist Brothers accepted that these boys had been sexually abused by Brother Chute. During 1962, teacher Brother Walter Cranney and Community Superior Brother Des Phillips became aware that Brother Chute had admitted sexually abusing a child at the school. Despite the Marist Brothers' reporting requirements at the time, Brother Phillips failed to inform the Provincial of Brother Chute's admission. No written record was created, no investigation followed, and no action was taken to protect other children from further abuse. Abuse at Lismore In 1967, Brother Chute was transferred to St Joseph's School, Lismore (later St Carthage's), where he became principal of the primary school. A former student later complained that Brother Chute had sexually abused him during 1967. Brother Chute admitted the abuse. On 19 July 1969, the Marist Brothers Provincial Council, chaired by Brother Othmar Weldon, issued Brother Chute with a canonical warning after he admitted that he had "inappropriately sexually touched" a child at the school. Promotion Despite Known Abuse Rather than removing Brother Chute permanently from positions involving children, the Marist Brothers transferred him to Marist College Penshurst in 1969, where he became principal of the primary school. Brother Weldon and his successor as Provincial, Brother Alman Dwyer, were aware of Brother Chute's admission and canonical warning. Despite this knowledge, Brother Chute continued to receive appointments involving responsibility for children. Following his time at Penshurst, he was appointed to: Marcellin Junior College, Coogee (1973) Principal, Marist Brothers Parramatta (1975) Marist College Canberra (from 1976) The Royal Commission found that successive Provincials were not informed of Brother Chute's admissions or canonical warning because no proper records were maintained. Further Allegations at Marist College Canberra While teaching at Marist College Canberra, Brother Chute continued to have access to children. In 1986, Headmaster Brother Terence Heinrich received a complaint from the parents of a student alleging that Brother Chute had touched their son's penis during a film night. Brother Heinrich informed Provincial Brother Alman Dwyer of the allegation but was not told that Brother Chute had already received a canonical warning for child sexual abuse years earlier. No effective action was taken. Brother Chute remained at Marist College Canberra between 1983 and 1989, serving as Assistant Religious Education Coordinator while continuing to teach students. Complaints in 1993 In 1993, former student Damian De Marco reported that Brother Chute had sexually abused him in 1981. The complaint was referred to the Marist Brothers Provincial, Brother Alexis Turton. A second complaint soon followed from another former student, who alleged that Brother Chute had rubbed against him, hugged him and behaved in a sexually inappropriate manner while the two were alone in a small room. These complaints demonstrated that Brother Chute continued to have unsupervised access to children despite earlier admissions and allegations. Following these complaints, Brother Chute was finally removed from teaching. Criminal Conviction In 2008, Brother John Chute pleaded guilty and was convicted of 19 child sexual offences committed against six former students between 1985 and 1989. Royal Commission Findings The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found that the Marist Brothers repeatedly failed to protect children from Brother Chute. Among its findings were that: senior Marist Brothers knew as early as 1962 that Brother Chute had admitted sexually abusing a child; the admission was not properly reported or recorded; Brother Chute received only a canonical warning after admitting abuse in 1969; despite this, he was repeatedly promoted to senior teaching and leadership positions; further complaints were not properly acted upon; no allegations of child sexual abuse involving Brother Chute were reported to police between 1962 and 1993; and the Marist Brothers kept no comprehensive written record of the accumulating allegations against him. Number of Victims After Brother Chute was removed from teaching in 1993, the Marist Brothers received complaints from 48 former students alleging they had been sexually abused by him as children. Of those complainants, 40 were former students of Marist College Canberra, illustrating the scale of the abuse that occurred after Church authorities had already become aware of earlier admissions and allegations.

Marist Priest and Convicted Child Sex Offender Father Gregory Laurence Ferguson was a member of the Marist Fathers. He began training for the priesthood in 1955, aged 18, and was later ordained as a Catholic priest. For much of his career he worked as a teacher, boarding master and parish priest in various parts of Australia. 1970–1971: Marist College Burnie Between 1970 and 1971, Ferguson was a teacher and boarding master at the then boys-only Marist College Burnie in north-west Tasmania, now known as Marist Regional College. He was aged about 33 to 34. It was during this period that Ferguson sexually abused boys in his room in the school's boarding house. The original police investigation in 2004–05 resulted in charges relating to six former students. The charges included four counts of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person under 17, contrary to section 125A of the Tasmanian Criminal Code, and two counts of indecent assault under section 127. The six complainants were not necessarily Ferguson's only victims. They were the former students from whom police obtained signed statements. 2007: First Trial and Convictions The prosecution ultimately proceeded against three boys in two separate trials before the Tasmanian Supreme Court in Launceston. The first trial began in March 2007 and concerned two boys who were about 13 years old when the offences occurred in 1971. The jury found Ferguson guilty of maintaining a sexual relationship with one boy and indecently assaulting the other. The first conviction incorporated three separate indecent assaults, while the second involved one assault. During sentencing, Supreme Court Justice Ewan Crawford described the offences as serious because of the ages of the boys and the breach of trust involved. The boys had been placed in the care of the college and its staff by their parents. According to the sentencing remarks, Ferguson had invited or directed boys to his room in the priests' quarters for sexual purposes. The judge described several occasions on which Ferguson abused the boys while they were in his room. The court also heard about the lasting psychological impact on the victims. One complainant was described as having been badly affected psychologically, while another said the abuse contributed to behavioural problems, loss of trust in priests and staff, and his leaving school at a young age. On 15 May 2007, aged 70, Ferguson was sentenced to two years' imprisonment. September–December 2007: Second Trial While Ferguson was serving his sentence, a second trial was held concerning another former Marist College boarder, who had been 12 years old when the offences occurred in 1970. The prosecution alleged that Ferguson had committed up to seven indecent assaults against the boy. The first jury was discharged after a witness referred to Ferguson's earlier trial and conviction. A fresh jury was subsequently empanelled. In November 2007, the new jury found Ferguson guilty. Before sentencing, the victim's impact statement was read to the court. He described decades of shame, embarrassment, loneliness and guilt. He also said that the abuse had affected his relationship with the Catholic Church: he would not allow his daughters to be christened as Catholics or attend Catholic schools. He continued to have difficulty trusting men. On 13 December 2007, Justice Ewan Crawford sentenced Ferguson to a further three years' imprisonment, with an 18-month non-parole period. The sentence was ordered to be served cumulatively with the sentence imposed in May. Ferguson therefore received a total sentence of five years' imprisonment, with 18 months to be served before he became eligible for parole. Ferguson's Later Career The court heard in 2007 that Ferguson had undertaken teaching duties until 1972. Justice Crawford noted that it was possible he had stopped teaching following complaints about his behaviour towards boys, although the judge had not been provided with evidence establishing that this was the reason. From 1972 until his retirement in 2002, Ferguson worked as a parish priest in various locations. Australian Catholic directories subsequently recorded his movements around Australia. In 1979 he was listed at St Bernard's parish in Claremont, near Hobart. In 1988 he was listed at Ashgrove in Brisbane. During the early 1990s he was living at Marist Fathers' residences in Sydney. In 1996–97, he was an assistant priest at Star of the Sea parish in Gladstone, Queensland. In 1999 and 2000, he was at St Aidan's parish in Rooty Hill in western Sydney. Following his first conviction in May 2007, the Gladstone Observer reported Ferguson's conviction to the local community. 2019: Letter Reveals Earlier Concerns A significant development emerged in 2019 when the ABC obtained a letter written by Father Bernard Hosie, who had been principal of Marist College at the time Ferguson was working there. The letter was addressed to Father Peter Guiren, a former Marist College principal and Marist Provincial. Father Hosie sought advice about whether Ferguson should be moved from the school. According to the letter, Hosie knew that Ferguson had been "fooling around" with eight boys in his room. Hosie also indicated that he and two colleagues were concerned that Ferguson's behaviour was widely known among students. Despite these concerns, the letter indicated that Hosie considered leaving Ferguson at the school for another year. He was also concerned that if parents or the wider community became aware of Ferguson's behaviour, the school could face litigation. The letter therefore raised serious questions about what Marist authorities knew about Ferguson's behaviour during his time at Marist College Burnie and what action was taken in response. The Wider Burnie Context Ferguson's case formed part of a broader history of sexual-abuse allegations and convictions involving religious and other figures associated with the Burnie area. Among those connected with Marist College was Tasmanian priest Monsignor Philip Green, who was convicted in 2004 of indecently assaulting a young man. In 2005, former Marist College physical education teacher Paul Ronald Goldsmith, a former trainee priest, was jailed for sexual offences against boys in the Burnie area during the 1970s and 1980s. Former Test umpire Steve Randell was also jailed for sexual offences against young girls at the college in the early 1980s, after the school had become co-educational. Former Tasmanian Anglican priests Louis Daniels and Garth Hawkins were also later jailed for sexual offences against boys in the Burnie area. How Many Victims? The full number of boys sexually abused by Ferguson may never be known. The original police investigation involved six former students who provided signed statements, but the available evidence does not establish that these represented all of Ferguson's victims. The later-revealed 2019 letter, referring to concerns about Ferguson's behaviour towards eight boys, further demonstrates that the known victims may not represent the full extent of his conduct. Ferguson's case illustrates the difficulty of establishing the full scale of historical child sexual abuse when victims may wait decades before reporting what happened. Imprisonment Following the two trials in 2007, Father Gregory Laurence Ferguson received a combined sentence of five years' imprisonment, with an 18-month non-parole period. His convictions concerned sexual offences against boys who had been students and boarders at Marist College Burnie during 1970 and 1971. The case also raised wider questions about the responsibilities of religious organisations when concerns about the conduct of clergy towards children are brought to their attention.

Father Michael Charles Glennon was a Catholic priest from Melbourne who became one of Victoria's most prolific convicted child sex offenders. Over several decades he abused numerous children while holding positions of trust as a priest, youth leader, school chaplain and Scout chaplain. Many survivors and their families continue to live with the lasting impact of his crimes. Glennon was convicted on numerous child sexual abuse offences committed over many years. By 2003 he had been convicted on five separate occasions for child sexual abuse offences. He died in prison in 2014 at the age of 69 while serving his sentence. Following his death, further criminal proceedings against him were discontinued. As with many historical child abuse cases, it is likely that not every victim reported their abuse. The true number of children harmed by Glennon may never be known. Early Life and Priesthood Michael Charles Glennon was born in 1944 and grew up in Melbourne's northern suburbs. He entered Melbourne's Corpus Christi College Seminary to study for the Catholic priesthood. Another seminarian and former roommate was Terrence Pidoto, who was later also convicted of child sexual abuse offences. Before his ordination, Glennon was active as a Scout leader, giving him regular access to children. He later served as a Catholic chaplain at the Dandenong Scout Australian Jamboree and continued his association with the Scout movement after being ordained as a priest in 1971. Glennon also spent time at St Augustine's Boys' Home in Geelong, where he and Pidoto visited to counsel and work with boys living at the institution. Parish Appointments Around 1972, Glennon began his ministry as an assistant priest at Holy Spirit Parish before later serving at: Holy Spirit Parish St Monica's Parish, Moonee Ponds St Gabriel's Parish, Reservoir He also acted as chaplain at local Catholic schools. At St Monica's School he coached football, taught karate and organised camping trips for children. He also conducted sex education classes at Catholic secondary schools. The Peaceful Hand Youth Foundation and "Karaglen" During the 1970s Glennon established the Peaceful Hand Youth Foundation, where he taught karate and organised youth activities. The group operated from a 16-hectare rural property known as "Karaglen" near Lancefield, Victoria. Children frequently attended camps and overnight stays there, often sleeping in communal accommodation. Parents trusted Glennon because he was a Catholic priest and youth leader. Evidence presented during later court proceedings showed that Glennon sometimes slept alone with children in his bedroom during these camps. As with many historical abuse cases, these incidents were not disclosed until years later. First Conviction In 1978 a ten-year-old girl reported that Glennon had sexually assaulted her in his car at Karaglen. Glennon pleaded guilty to indecent assault and received a two-year prison sentence, serving approximately seven months before being released. This was the only occasion on which he pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse offences. In all later prosecutions he contested the allegations. Evidence presented many years later revealed that only weeks after his release from prison he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl during another stay at Karaglen. Continuing Ministry Although the Melbourne Archdiocese did not appoint Glennon to another parish after his release from prison, he remained a priest and continued operating independently throughout the 1980s. He conducted Catholic-style religious services from his home in Thornbury and developed a loyal following among disadvantaged families, including Aboriginal and migrant communities. Despite his previous conviction, many parents continued allowing their children to attend camps and sleepovers at Karaglen. Further Allegations and Criminal Proceedings In 1984 Glennon was charged with indecently assaulting an 11-year-old boy and sodomising a 13-year-old boy during a camp. He was acquitted of those charges. The following year police charged Glennon with multiple offences involving five boys and one girl aged between 12 and 16. These offences allegedly occurred between 1977 and 1980. During these proceedings broadcaster Derryn Hinch publicly disclosed Glennon's earlier conviction. The publicity resulted in the trial being aborted because of concerns that potential jurors had been prejudiced. Glennon remained on bail and continued presenting himself as a priest. One witness later told the court that in 1986 she saw her nephew sharing Glennon's bed during a stay at Karaglen. Prosecutor Rosemary Carlin later described Glennon's influence over his followers, telling the court that many regarded him as "their priest, their friend, their confidant." She also said he had gained the trust of Aboriginal families through his apparent respect for their culture. Convictions in the 1990s By 1991 sufficient time had passed for a fresh trial to proceed. A jury convicted Glennon of attempted rape of a boy under 14 and two counts of rape with violence. Although he initially succeeded in overturning those convictions on appeal, the prosecution successfully appealed to the High Court of Australia in 1992. Glennon was returned to prison and ordered to serve a lengthy custodial sentence. Despite these convictions, it emerged that the Melbourne Archdiocese had restored his priestly faculties for limited purposes, allowing him to officiate at family events including his mother's funeral and his sister's wedding. Further Charges As Glennon's release from prison approached in 1997, police laid a further 65 charges involving 16 victims—15 boys and one girl—for offences committed between 1974 and 1991. The charges included: Indecent assault Rape Attempted buggery Buggery Several offences were alleged to have occurred while Glennon was on bail awaiting trial for earlier child sexual abuse charges. The youngest known victim was seven years old. Evidence presented to the court indicated that Glennon exploited his knowledge of Aboriginal traditions to intimidate some Aboriginal children into remaining silent. Three Major Trials Because of the large number of charges and victims, the proceedings were divided into three separate jury trials. In May 1999 Glennon was convicted on most charges relating to six children abused between 1974 and 1978. The second trial concluded in August 2003 after an appeal and retrial, resulting in Glennon's conviction for sexually abusing an Aboriginal boy in 1983. The third trial, conducted during 2003, resulted in convictions on 23 charges involving three boys abused between 1986 and 1991. A fourth victim was expected to give evidence during these proceedings but died from a drug overdose before the trial commenced. Final Sentence In November 2003 Glennon was sentenced to a total of 18 years' imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 years. Following an appeal in 2005, several convictions were quashed and his sentence was reduced to a minimum non-parole period of 10 years and six months, calculated from October 2003. Michael Charles Glennon remained in prison until his death in 2014. His convictions stand as some of the most extensive child sexual abuse cases involving a Catholic priest in Victoria. His crimes caused profound and lasting harm to many children and families, and his case remains an important example of institutional failures to protect vulnerable children. Understanding Clerical Abuse Clerical abuse refers to the exploitation or mistreatment of individuals by clergy members or religious leaders. This can take many forms, including: Sexual abuse: Involving inappropriate or unlawful sexual conduct. Emotional abuse: Manipulation or coercion that harms an individual's mental well-being. Financial abuse: Misappropriation of funds or resources entrusted to clergy members. The prevalence of clerical abuse has been a topic of discussion for decades, but it gained significant traction in Australia following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which concluded in 2017. This landmark inquiry revealed widespread abuse within various institutions, including religious organizations, and highlighted the need for systemic change. Recent Trends in Clerical Abuse Cases Increased Reporting and Awareness One of the most notable trends in recent years is the increase in reporting of clerical abuse cases. Survivors are becoming more empowered to come forward, thanks in part to greater public awareness and support networks. This shift has led to a rise in the number of allegations being investigated by authorities. For example, in 2020, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference reported that there were over 1,000 allegations of abuse made against clergy members in the previous year. This figure underscores the importance of creating an environment where survivors feel safe to share their experiences. Legislative Changes In response to the findings of the Royal Commission, several legislative changes have been implemented across Australia to better protect individuals from clerical abuse. These changes include: Mandatory reporting laws: Many states have introduced laws requiring clergy members to report any suspected abuse to authorities. Statute of limitations reforms: Some jurisdictions have removed or extended the time limits for survivors to file civil claims against their abusers. These legislative measures aim to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that survivors have access to justice. Institutional Reforms Religious institutions are also taking steps to address clerical abuse within their ranks. Many organizations have established independent review processes and support services for survivors. For instance, the Catholic Church has implemented the "Towards Healing" framework, which provides a pathway for survivors to seek redress and support. Additionally, training programs for clergy members on safeguarding practices have become more common. These initiatives aim to create a culture of accountability and transparency within religious organizations. The Impact of Clerical Abuse on Communities The effects of clerical abuse extend far beyond individual survivors. Communities are often left grappling with the fallout from these incidents, which can lead to: Loss of trust: Many individuals lose faith in religious institutions, leading to a decline in attendance and participation. Psychological trauma: Survivors and their families may experience long-lasting emotional and psychological effects, impacting their relationships and overall well-being. Social division: Clerical abuse can create rifts within communities, as individuals may take sides or struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the actions of their leaders. Case Studies To illustrate the impact of clerical abuse, consider the following case studies: The Catholic Church in Ballarat: This regional city became a focal point for clerical abuse allegations, with numerous survivors coming forward to share their experiences. The revelations led to significant community unrest and a decline in church attendance. The Anglican Church in Sydney: In recent years, allegations of abuse within this institution have prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency. The church has since implemented reforms to address these concerns, but the damage to community trust remains. Support for Survivors As awareness of clerical abuse grows, so too does the availability of support for survivors. Various organizations and helplines offer resources, counseling, and legal assistance to those affected by abuse. Some notable examples include: The National Redress Scheme: Established to provide support to survivors of institutional abuse, this scheme offers financial compensation and access to counseling services. Survivors Network: This organization provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and connect with others who have had similar experiences. These resources play a crucial role in helping survivors navigate their healing journey and seek justice. Moving Forward: The Path to Healing and Accountability Addressing clerical abuse in Australia requires a multifaceted approach that involves: Continued advocacy: Survivors and their supporters must continue to advocate for systemic change and hold institutions accountable for their actions. Education and training: Ongoing education for clergy members and church leaders is essential to prevent future abuse and create a culture of safety. Community engagement: Open dialogue within communities about clerical abuse can help rebuild trust and foster healing. Conclusion Clerical abuse remains a pressing issue in Australia, with recent trends highlighting the need for continued vigilance and reform. By understanding the complexities of this issue and supporting survivors, we can work towards a future where individuals are protected and held accountable for their actions. It is essential for communities to come together, advocate for change, and ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and respected. As we move forward, let us remember that healing is possible, and together we can create a safer environment for all.