Father Stanislaus John Hogan Pleads Guilty to Accessing and Possessing Child Pornography

Herald Sun
March 6, 2014

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/father-stanislaus-john-hogan-pleads-guilty-to-accessing-and-possessing-child-pornography/story-fnii5yv7-1226846977970

Father Stanislaus John Hogan leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court, where he admitted child pornography offences. Picture: Greg Higgs Source: News Corp Australia

A SENIOR priest who worked at one of the state’s most prominent Catholic schools has admitted accessing and possessing child pornography.

Father Stanislaus John Hogan, 69, who has long been associated with Saint Ignatius College at Athelstone, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.

He pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to access child pornography and one aggravated count of possessing child pornography.

The offences happened at Athelstone between April 2012 and August 2013.

A St Ignatius school magazine — dated winter 2013 — lists Hogan as the school’s rector.

Hogan’s identity was suppressed under state law until now, but that order has automatically lapsed with his plea.

In 2011, The Advertiser reported that Hogan had revived the teaching of Latin at the college.

He was remanded on continuing bail to face the District Court for arraignment next month.

Outside court, Hogan refused to comment.

In a statement, Saint Ignatius College Rector Father Robert Davoren confirmed Hogan was “a former member of staff”.

“Neither charge is connected with anyone within the college community, including students past or present,” he said.

“Father Hogan was suspended from all duties at Saint Ignatius’ College as soon as these matters were brought to the attention of Jesuit authorities last August.”

Father Davoren said the welfare of the college community was his “most important priority”.

“Our students have always been, and always will be, our most precious gift and we will continue to do everything we can to protect and nurture them,” he said.

“Our policies and protocols for child protection are available on the college’s website and these are regularly reviewed against global best practice to ensure they remain world class.

“The college is available to provide full and ongoing care and support to anyone at any time, and encourages anyone with any concerns to contact the college.”