IRELAND
One in Four
Irish Independent
A MAN who claims sexual abuse by a religious brother for four years at primary school said yesterday he destroyed photos to try and rid himself of the memory.
Yesterday was the second day of the trial of Christopher Cosgrove, Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris, Co Mayo, who pleads not guilty to 180 counts of indecently assaulting six boys from 1968-1977 at St John's Boys' NS, Temple Street, Sligo.
One alleged victim told Sligo Circuit Court he hated himself so much he changed hair colour and destroyed photographs when he left primary school. He changed his name when he moved abroad and now hates being called by his old name.He alleged abuse occurred two to three times a week for four years, when he would be called up to the top of the classroom by Marist Brother Christopher. Other pupils were given work to do. He also said he was abused in the toilet by the accused, once on the day of his confirmation. He claimed to have been beaten repeatedly by the brother, who seemed to "get some kick out of it", and said after primary school he confided in a priest who "didn't want to know".
Posted by kshaw at January 14, 2005 08:10 AM