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'Long fall from grace' for Christian Brother who repeatedly abused boy, making his life 'a living hell'
Summary
Paul Hendrick, a retired school principal and former Christian Brother, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault on Kenneth Grace between 1980 and 1984. The abuse began when Grace was 13, a first‑year student at CBS Westland Row, and continued as he aged, involving repeated sexual and physical misconduct in various school locations, including the furnace room, a reception room at the priest's residence, and during camping trips in Waterford and Tipperary. Grace recalled being forced into wrestling, being restrained, and experiencing sexual contact while in his underwear. He was isolated from classmates and subjected to verbal abuse. Grace's victim impact statement described lasting mental health effects, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Hendrick, who had no prior convictions, was remanded on bail pending a final hearing scheduled for July 10. The case highlights the prolonged nature of the abuse and its enduring impact on the victim.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Long fall from grace' for Christian Brother who repeatedly abused boy, making his life 'a living hell'. Charges or matters: 11 counts of indecently assaulting Kenneth Grace on dates between May 1980 and July 1984 at locations including in Dublin, Tipperary and Waterford. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- May 1980 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 1984 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 10 Adjournment
- December 13, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-05-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 11 counts of indecently assaulting Kenneth Grace on dates between May 1980 and July 1984 at locations including in Dublin, Tipperary and Waterford (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case for finalisation and remanded Hendrick on continuing bail to appear again on July 10.
Places mentioned
- Waterford. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
- Hendrick attended the garda station
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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