Brady knew of 5 Smyth abuse claims

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland was warned by a 14-year-old victim of Fr Brendan Smyth that the paedophile priest was likely abusing five more named children — but failed to take action.

The explosive claims once again raise questions about Cardinal Seán Brady’s handling of sex abuse claims made to him about Smyth. Three years ago, Cardinal Brady said he would resign if he found himself in the situation where he was aware that any failings to act on his part allowed, or led, to any child being abused.

The information uncovers how the Primate of All-Ireland was handed written names and addresses of three boys and two girls who were being abused or were at risk of being abused by Smyth in 1975 — 19 years before he was jailed in 1994. Four of the children were being abused, it later emerged. Two continued to be abused after the 1975 inquiry.