NORTHERN IRELAND
Newry Democrat
THE police are to contact the Abbey Grammar School in Newry in relation to the placing of a secret camera in students’ changing rooms, it was confirmed this week.
In a statement issued to the Democrat, a PSNI spokeswoman said, “The protection of children and young persons is an important goal for all in society including parents, teachers and public services, including the police service. We are aware of speculation in relation to a school in the Newry and Mourne area raising concerns and we intend to contact the school with a view to pursuing this matter.”
She added that should any formal complaint be made to police, it will be fully investigated.
Meanwhile, an organisation which combats internet child pornography and the trafficking of children has also expressed an interest in the Abbey controversy.
Gregory Carlin, the director of the Belfast based Irish Anti-Trafficking Coalition, told the Democrat that he has been in contact with both the police and Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore in relation to the matter. In correspondence forwarded to Mr Carlin, Bishop McAreavey indicated that responsibility for governing the school lies with its board of governors and the Christian Brothers and added that he is not the correct party with whom the issue should be raised.