Paedophile smyth told doctor he abused 100 children
A notorious paedophile priest told a doctor he had sexually abused up to 100 children, an inquiry has heard.
Fr Brendan Smyth who hid out in the Kilnacrott Abbey in Ballyjamesduff made the admission in February 1994 - the year he was jailed for his crimes.
“Over the years of religious life it could be that I have sexually abused between 50 and 100 children. That number could even be doubled or perhaps even more.”
The Historical Abuse Inquiry (HIA) is being heard at Banbridge Courthouse, Co Down with Laragh native, former Cardinal Sean Brady due to give oral evidence later this week.
The current module, expected to last a week, is examining what opportunities there were to prevent Smyth, a member of the Norbertine Order, from carrying out the abuse of children. The inquiry panel will consider whether any action, or inaction, amounted to systemic failings.
Joseph Aiken, counsel for the inquiry, said it was the first time the serial child molester’s comments, as told to the doctor, had been made public.
“The story that’s about to unfold over the coming days is steeped in deep and prolonged human suffering of the abused.
“The inquiry will have to consider whether it is also a story of a litany of missed opportunities to properly deal with Smyth by a significant number of individuals who were themselves in positions of considerable trust, power and influence not only over him, his victims and their families.”
Retired judge Anthony Hart is leading the inquiry, one of the UK’s largest into physical, sexual and emotional harm to children at homes run by the Church, State and voluntary organisations.
Smyth was convicted of 117 indecent assaults in the North and the Republic of Ireland over the 1960s to the 1990s.
He frequented Catholic residential homes and groomed children with sweets and trips away.
He died from a heart attack in prison in August 1997.
Despite allegations being previously investigated by church officials as far back as 1975, it was almost 20 years before he was jailed.
Instead the cleric was moved between parishes, dioceses and even countries where he preyed on victims who were as young as eight.
Culture of 'secrecy’
In one of three statements provided to the inquiry Cardinal Brady said: “Sadly at that time there was a culture within the church of secrecy and silence and it was felt that matters could be dealt with within the church structures.
“There was not a proper understanding of the devastating consequences of child abuse. Many of the bishops believed that psychiatric treatment of the individual perpetrator was an adequate response. The full horror and long-lasting impact of such criminal behaviour has now been grasped.”
Should never have been ordained
In a statement, Fr William Fitzgerald, from the Norbertine order, said Smyth should never have been ordained into the priesthood.
“I accept that Brendan Smyth was not a fit person to have access to children at any time or under any circumstance.
“I am ashamed by the failure as a community to hear these warnings and act accordingly.
“The shame of our failings is immense,” said Fr Fitzgerald.
Smyth’s abuse has already been described by a number of witnesses who have previously given evidence to the inquiry.
The HIA was formally established in January 2013 by the Northern Ireland Executive.
One of Smyth's victims, who had previously spoken out as 'Samantha' went on the Pat Kenny show this morning under her real name of Loreto. Listen to newstalk's interview here: http://www.newstalk.com/listen_back/13240/19534/23rd_June_2015_-_The_Pat_Kenny_Show_Part_1/