Courts / Louth / Report

Surgeon goes on trial accused of indecently assaulting boys

Date
2019-01-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

The trial of Dr Michael Shine, 86, began at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 January 2019. He faces thirteen charges of indecent assault alleged to have occurred during medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and two private clinics. The first complainant, a 15‑year‑old patient, testified that after a finger surgery in 1988 he was asked to stand in the examination room, where Shine groped his genitals while resting his head on the boy's chest. The boy described feeling terrified and confused, and that Shine's breathing became "creepy." A second complainant, 13 at the time of a testicular surgery in 1985, recounted that Shine examined a scar on his scrotum, then touched his penis and moved the foreskin, leaving him confused. Both complainants said they later brought a third party to subsequent appointments. The case is set to continue before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury. Michael Shine pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Surgeon goes on trial accused of indecently assaulting boys. Charges or matters: the thirteen charges of indecent assault allegedly committed during medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth and at two private clinics in Drogheda. Procedural stage: trial

When:

2019-01-17 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Shine

Applicant

Charges: the thirteen charges of indecent assault allegedly committed during medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth and at two private clinics in Drogheda (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty