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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Two members of the
Saint John of God order, wanted in New Zealand to face historic sex abuse
allegations, are appealing in Australia against an extradiction order. The further delays have
upset the 39 former pupils of Marylands School in Christchurch, who laid
their complaints two years ago. Fr Raymond John
Garchow, 57, and Brother Rodger Maloney, 70, both worked at the Marylands
School in Christchurch. They, along with
Brother William Lebler, now 83, are accused of carrying out indecent acts and
sodomy on young boys at the New Zealand boarding school, which was funded by
the St John of God Catholic order, between 1955 and 1979. They face a total of 61
charges of sexual assault against the boys, many of them with mental
disabilities and learning difficulties. Lebler, who was deemed
"borderline mentally retarded" by psychiatrists, was released by
the court and escaped extradition. He therefore will not be tried for his
alleged crimes. An advocate for a group
of sex abuse complainants says they will be disappointed the order has been
appealed, further delaying their case. Ken Clearwater is the
manager of the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust, which assists about 30
of the men who have laid complaints. He
says the legal process has been traumatic and drawnout, and the complainants
are anxious to have it finished. |
