Courts / Dublin / Report
Retired Christian Brother jailed for abusing pupil
Summary
Paul Hendrick, aged 75, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault on Kenneth Grace between 1980 and 1984 while serving as second‑in‑command and later principal at CBS Westland Row. The abuse began when Grace was 13 and involved repeated physical and sexual misconduct in various school locations, including the furnace room, reception room, and during school trips. Grace was isolated, subjected to verbal abuse, and forced to perform chores. He reported the abuse in 2018, describing lifelong trauma, PTSD, and loss of self‑esteem. Judge Pauline Codd, hearing the case in May, praised Grace's courage and granted a four‑year sentence to Hendrick, suspending the final six months on the condition of continued treatment under probation supervision. Hendrick will be placed on the sex offenders register. The case highlights the enduring impact of historical sexual abuse on survivors.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Retired Christian Brother jailed for abusing pupil. 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: sentence
When:
- May 1980 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 1984 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 13, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-10 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: She suspended the final six months of that sentence on condition that Hendrick continue to undergo the recommended treatments under the supervision of the Probation Service.; Judge Pauline Codd had adjourned the case having heard evidence last May.
Places mentioned
- Waterford. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
- Hendrick attended the garda station
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request