Courts / Dublin / Report
Shine appeals conviction for abusing teen patients
Summary
Michael Shine, aged 86, is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his conviction for abusing two teenage boys in the mid‑1970s. He had pleaded not guilty to eight charges of indecent assault at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and his private clinic in Drogheda between 1964 and 1991. In October 2017, a jury found him guilty of indecent assault on two 15‑year‑old patients; the judge directed a not‑guilty verdict for one complainant and acquitted him on the remaining counts. He received two consecutive 10‑month sentences, totalling 20 months imprisonment, below the then‑maximum two‑year sentence. Counsel Hugh Hartnett SC argues the complaints were unusually orchestrated via media campaigns, all complainants used the same solicitor and psychiatrist, and the trial judge failed to address this. He also contends the judge improperly admitted evidence of civil settlements (€70k) to rebut claims of financial motivation, calling it prejudicial and lacking probative value.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Shine appeals conviction for abusing teen 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: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- October 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 1964 and 1991 Other
- 2019-03-08 Publication
Why: Ms Biggs said the defence were entitled to cross-examine the complainants in relation to motive, but the defence did so at the risk of having the truth come out. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Appellant
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 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was given two consecutive 10 month sentences by Judge Cormac Quinn totalling 20 months imprisonment.
Places mentioned
Topics
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