Manchester Evening News
October 2, 2008
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1070182_greens_victims_to_sue_school
A TOP Catholic school is facing legal action after a priest was jailed for 'systematically' sexually abusing boys.
Father William Green, 67, admitted abusing six boys while he was head of religious education at St Bede's College, in Alexandra Park, Manchester more than 20 years ago.
He was sentenced to a total of 30 years, but will serve only six as the terms will run concurrently.
A lawyer representing five of his victims said they had expected Green to be given a longer sentence and are now taking further legal action.
Richard Scorer, of legal firm Pannone, said: "I can confirm that we will be proceeding with civil cases, mainly against St Bede's.
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| William Green |
"What we have heard in court is a shameful catalogue of abuse involving many hundreds of offences over two decades at this school."
Green, of Cale Lane, Aspull, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to 27 assaults on six boys aged between 11 and 15. He also admitted an assault on an eight year old at another school where he had taught previously.
Read more on this story - College will 'continue to co-operate'
Since leaving St Bede's in 1990, Green has been a priest at the Holy Family Church, Wigan.
Passing sentence, Judge Clement Goldstone told him: "You systematically and sexually abused these boys, who were vulnerable and impressionable, and they were groomed by you for the purposes of your own sexual gratification.
"You abused them in school, on school trips and on church-related activities, and you procured the trust and respect of families of several of your victims. You breached their trust and friendship remorsefully and repeatedly." Judge Goldstone added: "You showed no mercy to your victims while you abused them."
Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, said boarding pupils at St Bede's were particularly vulnerable, as they were separated from their families.
Pupils often spent time in Green's rooms where they were treated to food, sweets, tea, television, and in some cases cigarettes and alcohol.
One of the victims sought help from Green when he was being bullied by other boys. He was befriended by the priest and the bullying stopped, but he was sexually abused about 100 times.
Peter Turner, defending, said Green felt deep shame about his actions, and was 'a very broken and sick man'.
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