Gardai launch fourth inquiry into Lota sexual abuse claims
They are preparing files for the Director of Public Prosecutions following eight more formal complaints from men who say they were abused at the Brothers of Charity-run centre at Lota in Glanmire, Co. Cork.
It brings to nearly 50 the number of complaints that gardaí have dealt with since their first investigation was launched in Lota in 1996.
The latest complaints come from people who allege they were abused at the centre in the 1950s and 1960s.
“We have also received a number of phone calls from other people who have enquired about how they would make a complaint,” a garda source said.
He said he believed the latest complaints were prompted by publicity surrounding the recent release of 77-year-old James Kelly.
The serial abuser, also known as Brother Ambrose, was given a 36-year sentence after pleading guilty to 18 sample counts of sexual assault at the Lota home. The crimes were committed nearly 40 years ago against three boys who were aged between eight and 18.
However, Brother Ambrose was released last November after serving just three years on condition he be sent to a treatment unit. It is believed he is now in Britain.
Gardaí have spent thousands of hours investigating allegations of sexual abuse at the centre.
“People have visited Glanmire to make statements. Others have asked us to visit them and we have done so,” the garda source said.
It is believed the new allegations refer to at least three members of the Brothers of Charity.
Those making the claims come from all over Ireland and one is believed to be living in Britain.
They claim they were between the ages of 11 and 14 when they were abused at Lota.
John Barrett, a former victim of Brother Ambrose, said he wasn’t surprised that more people had come forward to make complaints about abuse at Lota.
“I believe there are a lot more out there who have yet to come forward. My advice to them is to come forward now, they couldn’t do it at a better time,” Mr Barrett said.
“People shouldn’t be ashamed. We (the victims) initially blamed ourselves.
“We shouldn’t have because we did nothing wrong,” he said.
Mr Barrett, who is chairman of the Right of Place branch in Wexford, said he was always available to talk to child abuse victims.
He said people could contact him at his Wexford office, tel 054 43874 or the Cork branch Freephone 1800-200-709.
