Witness Defends Abuse Accused Nuns

Herald Scotland
May 15, 2013

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/crime-courts/witness-defends-abuse-accused-nuns.21082960

A WOMAN who gave evidence at the trial of two nuns accused of abusing girls after seeing media coverage, told a court the approved school they worked at set her on the right track.

Helen Lynass, 59, got in touch with the QC for Anne Kenny, known as Mother Rosaria at Dalbeath approved school, after being "shocked" at what she heard on the news.

She said she was a "rebel" who would not listen to anybody when she was sent there in the 1960s but she "listened to Mother Rosaria".

The mother-of-four claimed she saw no corporal punishment being used and said if it had happened it would have been spoken about.

Mrs Lynass, from Clydebank, was giving evidence at Paisley Sheriff Court at the trial of Anne Kenny, 79, and Agnes Reville, 77, known as Mother Martin.

Kenny, who was headmistress at the school from 1966 until the early 1970s, faces three charges of assault while Reville is accused of four charges of assault at the school in Bishopton.

Defence QC for Kenny, Ronnie Clancy asked: "Can you tell us how you came to be a witness in this case."

Mrs Lynass replied: "The news came on and I heard Mother Rosaria mentioned - That's when I heard what was happening. I spoke to my son, a police officer, and he said I had to contact someone involved in the case."

Mrs Lynass said she had not told any of her family she had been at Dalbeath but added: "I think my time at Dalbeath was probably what made me who I am. I listened to Mother Rosaria and I got set on the right track."

Under cross-examination by procurator-fiscal depute Douglas Hamilton she denied seeking attention. She said: "Do you think for a minute, after 40 years, I want my family knowing all this?"

Kenny and Reville deny the charges. The trial before sheriff Susan Sinclair continues.