Courts / Dublin / Report
Surgeon Michael Shine guilty of indecently assaulting two male patients
Summary
In a 2017 trial, retired consultant surgeon Michael Shine, aged 85, was found guilty by a jury of indecent assault on two teenage male patients during the 1970s. The convictions concerned incidents between 1974 and 1976 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Shine's private clinic in Drogheda. Shine admitted attending to the patients but denied any inappropriate conduct. Testimony from one victim described being restrained on a bed, having a blanket and rubber bungee straps applied, and the doctor's hand slipping under the blanket to massage his testicles. A second victim recounted that during follow‑up examinations for undescended testes, Shine massaged the base of his penis. The jury acquitted Shine of several other charges, including four counts of groping other teenage boys and one count of assault between 1988 and 1991. Judge Cormac Quinn remanded Shine on continuing bail until December 1 for sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Surgeon Michael Shine guilty of indecently assaulting two male patients. Charges or matters: eight charges of indecently assaulting six patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and at his private clinic, both in Drogheda, Co Louth, on dates between 1964 and 1991. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- December 1 Adjournment
- 1964 and 1991 Other
- 1974 and 1976 Other
- 1988 and 1991 Incident
- 2017-11-02 Publication
Why: He said he knew it was weird but didn't know if he could speak out because he was "just a young boy". CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: eight charges of indecently assaulting six patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and at his private clinic, both in Drogheda, Co Louth, on dates between 1964 and 1991 (Alleged Or Contested)
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Judge Cormac Quinn remanded Shine on continuing bail until December 1 for sentencing.
Places mentioned
- Wellington Road
- Lourdes Hospital
Topics
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