Courts / Dublin / Report
Elderly surgeon jailed for sex attacks on teenage patients
Summary
A retired surgeon, Michael Shine, aged 85, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of indecent assault on two 15‑year‑old patients in the mid‑1970s. The court found that Shine had abused the trust of patients and the hospital by groping the boys during medical examinations. He was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment, with consecutive 10‑month terms for each victim. Shine pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda, covering incidents from 1964 to 1991, but was acquitted on the remaining charges. The judge noted Shine's advanced age, severe angina, and risk of dementia, yet rejected a request for a suspended sentence. The case highlighted the breach of trust by a senior medical professional and the lasting impact on the teenage victims.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Elderly surgeon jailed for sex attacks on teenage 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: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- 1964 and 1991 Incident
- 2017-12-01 Publication
Why: He said he knew it was weird but he thought "who was I" to speak out because he was "just a young boy". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
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)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Judge Quinn imposed consecutive sentences of 10 months for the indecent assault on each of the victims. In imposing his sentence, Judge Quinn said he was taking into consideration the mitigating factors of Shine's age and medical conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Wellington Road
- Lourdes Hospital
- Mater hospital
Topics
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