Courts / Dublin / Report

Surgeon jailed last month for indecent assault is released on bail pending appeal

Date
2017-12-22

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Shine, an 85‑year‑old retired consultant surgeon from Dublin, was jailed last month for indecently assaulting two 15‑year‑old boys in the 1970s. He was convicted on eight counts of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991, but was acquitted on the remaining counts. The jury found him guilty of the two 1970s assaults, and the judge imposed consecutive 10‑month sentences, totalling 20 months, a term within the offence's two‑year maximum. Shine has lodged an appeal against both conviction and sentence. On 2 December, the three‑judge court granted him bail pending the appeal, subject to conditions such as residing at his home, attending court dates, signing in weekly at a Garda station, not applying for a passport, and expediting his appeal. The appeal focuses on alleged procedural errors and the harshness of the custodial term given Shine's age and health. Michael Shine pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Surgeon jailed last month for indecent assault is released on bail pending appeal. Charges or matters: eight counts 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: appeal

When:

November 2 Incident
1964 and 1991 Other
2017-12-22 Publication

Why: Counsel for Shine, Hugh Hartnett SC, submitted that the trial judge erred in permitting the prosecution to reexamine three complainants in order to adduce evidence that they had settled civil proceedings against the hospital where Shine had worked and that the settlements amounted to €70,000 each. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Michael Shine

Appellant

Charges: eight counts 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

Outcome: Credit: Collins) Retired consultant surgeon Michael Shine, jailed last month for indecently assaulting two patients in the 1970s, has been granted bail pending an appeal against his conviction and sentence. Shine, whose health was described as "perilous" on a previous occasion, has lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence.