Gardaí investigate alleged sex assault at boarding school
It is alleged that a 13-year-old pupil of The King’s Hospital school was subjected to a sexual attack involving a hockey stick.
The Irish Times reported yesterday that eight pupils were allegedly involved.
Detectives are looking for witnesses at the west Dublin co-ed school to come forward and are investigating if any similar alleged attacks occurred to other young boys.
The alleged attack is thought to have occurred last Thursday evening. The matter was reported by the school to the gardaí on Tuesday. The intervening period will form part of the garda investigation.
It is thought that a detailed statement is due to be taken from the boy and his parents.
Garda sources said they first need to establish the “nature of the complaint” and “who was allegedly involved”. This will allow detectives at Lucan Garda Station determine how best to progress their investigation, who to interview and whether or not any searches or forensic examinations should be carried out.
Detectives will also investigate if there are other victims of similar alleged attacks. King’s Hospital, in Palmerstown, is 450 years old and is a Church of Ireland-governed institution.
A statement from board members, primate Archbishop Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson and Bishop of Meath and Kildare Pat Storey, said: “Following news of an alleged sexual assault at the King’s Hospital School in today’s Irish Times, we express our sincere concern and offer our thoughts and prayers for the child and family at the centre of this incident.
“We trust that the process of investigation by the statutory authorities will bring about a just outcome, and we also pray for the wellbeing of the pupils and staff of the school at this difficult time.”
King’s Hospital can house 300 boarders, in six houses. One of the boys’ houses is for first, third and fifth years, while another is for second, fourth and fifth years. Basic boarding fees are €16,000-€20,000 a year.
