Courts / Dublin / Report

Surgeon groped teen who he played chess with, trial hears

Date
2019-01-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, 86‑year‑old retired surgeon Michael Shine pleaded not guilty to thirteen charges of indecent assault against seven teenage boys. The allegations stem from medical examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda and two private clinics. One complainant, aged 14 in 1972, recounted that Shine, who had been his consultant for a knee operation, would visit his room in the evening to play chess and then groped and fondled his genitals, pulling down his trousers and stroking his penis. The boy said Shine justified the conduct by claiming it was a way to "tell a lot." Another complainant, aged 15, alleged that during an examination for a torn foreskin, Shine masturbated him for five to ten minutes and squeezed his penis, after which the boy felt shocked and did not return for a recommended circumcision. Both complainants are also involved in civil actions against Shine.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Surgeon groped teen who he played chess with, trial hears. Charges or matters: thirteen charges of indecently assaulting seven boys 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:

2019-01-21 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Shine

Defendant

Charges: thirteen charges of indecently assaulting seven boys 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