Courts / Louth / Report

Teen patient awoke to find surgeon abusing him, trial hears

Date
2019-01-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Drogheda

County
Louth

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, an 86‑year‑old surgeon, Michael Shine, faced thirteen indecent assault charges linked to examinations at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital and two private Drogheda clinics. A male witness, aged 10 when first examined, recounted that Shine asked him to undress to his underpants, examined his throat, torso and abdomen, then groped his genitals, describing the act as a prolonged, painful experience. The witness claimed Shine also performed a rectal examination, inserting a gloved finger and again touching his genitals. He reported that after a later surgery for a wound, Shine repeatedly examined the wound while touching his genitals. The witness said he was 19 in 1982 when he woke to find Shine's hand on his penis, describing it as "masturbating me." The trial, with a jury, continued under Judge Martin Nolan. The witness had previously pursued civil action, concluding in 2012. The surgeon pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen patient awoke to find surgeon abusing him, trial hears. Charges or matters: 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:

2019-01-22 Publication

Why: "I looked at a spot on the ceiling because I found it most uncomfortable," the man said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Shine

Defendant

Charges: 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