Former Priest “so Drunk” He Did Not Remember Abusing Two Boys

By Olivia Kerr
Inside Ireland
February 24, 2012

http://insideireland.ie/2012/02/24/former-priest-so-drunk-he-did-not-remember-abusing-two-boys-57642/

A court has heard that a former priest and a convicted paedophile was so drunk at one point that he did not remember abusing two young boys.

This is the fourth time that Daniel Curran, 61, of Bryansford Road, Newcastle, has been charged of child abuse.

He pleaded guilty to five charges of indecent assault against two young boys in 1986.

Down Crown Court heard that the incidents took place at Curran’s family holiday home near Tyrella, County Down.

Curran was serving time as a Priest in West Belfast during the time the incidents took place, and had gained the trust of the parents of the children for the two boys to stay overnight with him.

The Prosecution said that the children saw this trip away as an opportunity to get away from the Troubles.

Curran was given a seven-year-sentence for similar offences involving nine other children in 1995.

The judge questioned why Curran had not volunteered the names of his other victims when he was arrested for the first time.

Curran’s defence barrister claimed that the priest had been sent to England by the church to tackle with his alcoholism and attitudes to sexual matters.

They continued that at the time the incidents took place, Curran was completely drunk and out of control.

Part of the course encouraged him not to name any other of his victims to respect their privacy.

Curran is currently living with and caring for his 91-year-old-mother. A medical report suggested that any custodial sentence her son got would have an adverse effect on her health.

Curran will be sentenced next week.