Adelaide Now
January 19, 2009
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,24930925-2682,00.html
THE identity of an Anglican youth leader who sexually abused boys in his care over 16 years can finally be revealed.
The District Court has lifted a suppression order on the identity of Andrew William Dawson-Ryan, 60, of Cumberland Park.
The former Church of England Boys Society youth leader was last year found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault and five counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.
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| Andrew William Dawson-Ryan outside court. He preyed on young boys for 16 years. |
A jury also convicted him of gross indecency and procuring an act of gross indecency.
Between 1972 and 1988, at suburbs around Adelaide, Dawson-Ryan abused a number of boys entrusted into his care.
He plied them with cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and pornography, and made friends with their families.
Today's revelation of his identity coincided with the tendering of victim impact statements.
Those who suffered in his care, now adults, said their tormentor had "taken everything".
"When this crime was found out by my wife, she left me, and my daughters have not spoken to me for three years," a victim said.
"I lost my family, my home and all of my dignity, and there is nothing in my life anymore."
Another victim said he turned to alcohol to try and ease the pain of his memories.
"Any time there was an opportunity for me to speak the truth, it was seen as the gibberings of a drunk," he said.
A third victim said he had spent decades "lost in space" and hating himself when experiencing sexual intimacy.
A victim's mother said she felt "disgusted and horrified" she had allowed Dawson-Ryan into her life.
"You have done immeasurable harm to my family, you deceived my husband and I by masquerading as a person to be trusted," she said.
"You insidiously undermined us."
Another mother said Dawson-Ryan had "absolutely and utterly" betrayed her faith in the Church.
"I will never find it in my heart to forgive him," she said.
"I hope, for his sake, God forgives him."
Dawson-Ryan was remanded in custody for sentencing submissions next month.
Outside court, Anglican Diocesan Administrator Bishop Stephen Pickard urged anyone abused by Dawson-Ryan to contact the church on 8366 6589.
"The impact of abuse is terrible and the lifting of the suppression order means that I can now apologise publicly for all the harm that has been done," he said.
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