NEW ZEALAND
Newstalk
2/12/2005 10:16:05
A retired Catholic teacher's admission that he sexually abused young boys at a school in Feilding has brought shame on the Catholic Church.
John Stevenson has pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to sexual attacks on boys at Hato Paora School in the late 70s and early 80s.
His victims were aged between 14 and 16 at the time.
Father Philip Cody from the Society of Mary says any such offending is wrong and treated very seriously. He says it is sad and shameful that the offending has occurred and illustrates a real breakdown of trust.