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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
June 7, 2003

18 named as victims


Eighteen boys are named as victims in the 32 sex offences alleged against Bernard Kevin McGrath, a former brother at St John of God's Marylands School.

McGrath, 56, appeared in the Christchurch District Court on one charge of sodomy a fortnight ago, but 31 further charges had been laid when he appeared yesterday.

The charges allege offending against boys aged under 16 years on various dates from 1968 to 1984, the year that Marylands School closed.

McGrath has not pleaded. Judge Edward Ryan remanded him on continued bail until mid-July.

Defence counsel Nigel Hampton, QC, said the six-week remand had been sought by the police, who were continuing to make inquiries.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris White told the court that the police did not oppose bail.

McGrath now faces these charges:

* Ten charges that, being a man over the age of 21, he committed sodomy on boys aged under 16.

* Thirteen charges of doing indecent acts on boys under 16.

* Nine charges of inducing boys under 16 to do indecent acts upon him.

Several of the charges are laid as representative charges, alleging that the offence occurred on at least one occasion.