Courts / Dublin / Report

Court hears of eight more students abused by Terenure College coach

Summary

John McClean, aged 76, a former rugby coach and teacher at Terenure College, pleaded guilty to 27 charges of indecent assault against 23 male students between 1973 and 1990. The court heard that McClean abused boys during costume fittings for school plays, after disciplinary incidents, and in his office, using rulers and sexual conduct. Victims ranged from about 12 to 16 years old. McClean offered them a choice between being hit or having their parents informed of misbehaviour. He also threatened to withhold rugby team selection as punishment. The first complaint to Gardaí was made in 2016; McClean left the school in 1996 following allegations and later coached rugby at UCD. The sentencing hearing continues before Judge Pauline Codd.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court hears of eight more students abused by Terenure College coach. Charges or matters: 27 charges of indecently assaulting the males at Terenure College in Dublin on dates between 1973 and 1990. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• November 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 1973 and 1990 Incident
• 1966 and 1996 Other
• Christmas Other
• 2021-02-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report