Katie 
John McClean, 76, of Harold's Cross, Dublin, Ireland. [Image credit: Laura Hutton- The Irish Times]
76-year-old John McClean was sentenced on Wednesday, February 17 for the abuse of 23 students between 1973 and 1990.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court Judge Pauline Codd called his actions "morally reprehensible" when sentencing him to an 11 year term, three suspended.
Codd stated that while some of the abuse clearly involved "pre-planning," others were opportunistic, but "all involved significant abuse of power."
A statement issued on behalf of Father Éanna Ó hÓbáin, president of Terenure College, and Fr Michael Troy of the Carmelite Order paid tribute to the courage of those that had come forward to report the abuse they had suffered.
“We understand that words of apology are never adequate when people have experienced so much pain and suffering over many years. These men were entrusted to our care when starting out in life - young boys full of hope, promise and joy. They had that hope and promise cruelly taken from them as a result of the sexual abuse perpetrated upon them by John McClean.
“Terenure College and the Carmelite Order failed in their duty to protect them and for this we are truly sorry.
Contributor
