Source: Radio New Zealand
Former St Bede’s College Friar Rowan Donoghue arrives at the Christchurch District Court for an appearance on January 28. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ
A man who was sexually abused by a priest says he’s “appalled” police were not notified the priest had admitted abuse to leaders of his religious order nearly 20 years ago.
He said he expected authorities to be told of all other members of the order who admitted child sex offences.
RNZ earlier revealed Fr Rowan Donoghue had admitted six charges 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 who were boarding at St Bede’s College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000.
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
In response to questions by RNZ, a Society of Mary spokesperson said a complaint alleging offending by Donoghue was received by the priest via an anonymous Hotmail account in October 2007.
“He advised Society of Mary administration and in a conversation with leaders of the Society of Mary, Donoghue admitted that he was guilty of abuse but could not identify the complainant.
“He was removed from his ministry as a priest immediately. This permanent removal from ministry and subsequent ongoing monitoring has continued to the present day.”
The spokesperson said the society reached out to the anonymous emailer “encouraging him to identify himself” and make a complaint to the police so the matter might be properly investigated, and so that he might receive appropriate support.
“Those attempts to connect with and support the victim, made over many months, were unsuccessful and so no complaint could be made by the Society to the police.
“Donoghue was sent for a six-month programme to Encompass, an institute in Australia that provided professional risk assessment and therapy for those accused of sexual abuse.”
One of the men who was sexually abused by Donoghue at St Bede’s College said he was shocked by the revelations.
The offending happened at St Bede’s College. (File photo) Google Maps
“I’m appalled to hear an admission from the church/Society of Mary, that they not only knew about Rowan’s offending, but also had a direct admission of guilt from him too.
“And instead of notifying authorities, chose to send him for ‘re-education’. It shows, as an organisation they are wholly complicit when it comes to their members having offended against children.”
The man said he expected authorities “to be told of all other members who admitted child sex offences”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons earlier said police were unable to comment on processes of other organisations and their decision making and whether they decide to call the police but that police encouraged people to do so if they have information they believe could be relevant to any investigation or suspected offending.
St Bede’s College rector Jon McDowall earlier 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.”
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. The college has an established policy in place to respond and support victims of historical abuse, alongside safeguarding policies and practices to protect the wellbeing and safety of students today. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.”
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.
In early 2023, police were contacted about the allegations of sexual abuse by Donoghue in relation to his time at St Bede’s College.
St Patrick’s Silverstream rector Rob Ferreira said the school had not been made aware of any allegations of abuse in care while Donoghue worked at the school between 1982 to 1992.
“We have not had any inquiries from the police either.
“We operate according to clearly set out guidelines and best practice and you should note that our primary concern is the wellbeing of our students. Given that – our protection of the privacy and any other rights of survivors of abuse and other individuals would be paramount.”
He said the school had informed the community that Donoghue’s name suppression had lifted.
St Patrick’s College Wellington rector Mike Savali confirmed Donoghue was on the college staff from 2003 to 2007.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
