Courts / Dublin / Report

Ex-Christian Brother (88) jailed for historic abuse of schoolboys

Date
2025-03-12
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Blanchardstown
County
Dublin

Summary

Jack Manning, an 88‑year‑old former Christian Brother and teacher, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for repeatedly sexually abusing eight boys at a primary school in the 1970s. The court heard that Manning would call each boy to the top of the class, have them read a book from his desk, then approach them closely and touch their genitals, both inside and outside their clothing. He pleaded guilty to 14 charges of indecent assault, which were part of 74 charges in total. The judge noted that Manning had abused the boys on at least 100 occasions, that the victims were not protected, and that his behaviour had a profound impact on their lives. Despite his age and infirmities, the judge imposed two consecutive two‑year terms, citing the seriousness of the offences and the need for punishment. The victims, who wished to remain anonymous, were allowed to read their own impact statements in court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ex-Christian Brother (88) jailed for historic abuse of schoolboys. Charges or matters: 14 charges of indecent assault at CBS, Westland Row, Dublin 2, on dates in 1973 and 1974; nine counts of indecently assaulting his pupils on dates between 1972 and 1973. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: One of the men said he believed he was abused three times but was not called up to the desk again because on one occasion when Manning was molesting him, the child urinated himself. CNI source report

Case subjects

Jack Manning

Applicant

Charges: 14 charges of indecent assault at CBS, Westland Row, Dublin 2, on dates in 1973 and 1974; nine counts of indecently assaulting his pupils on dates between 1972 and 1973 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Photo: Collins) A former Christian brother and teacher has been jailed for four years for the repeated sexual abuse of eight boys at a primary school in the 1970s. In July 2021, Manning was jailed for three years in relation to the indecent assault of four young boys at the same school who were of a similar age to the victims in this current case.

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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