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Accusations of Abuse in
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The Press
July 3, 2003
Complainant admits lie
by David Clarkson
A
key complainant in the St John of God sex scandal has told the police he lied
about being abused by religious brothers at a Catholic residential school.
In a new twist, Justin Todd Richardson -- who appears to have spent a $95,000
payout he received from the order -- has been charged with laying a false
complaint.
The 34-year-old foundry worker appeared in court yesterday on charges of making
a false complaint of sodomy and indecent assault in a written statement to
police.
Police have charged McGrath, 56, with committing sexual offences against boys
between 1968 and 1984, the year
Seven other former
They spoke to
"Everything he had said was untrue," said Detective Sergeant Earle
Borrell, who heads the
"It makes it very difficult for the other genuine victims."
Gobsmacked Brother Peter Burke, the Australasian head of St John of God, said
he was "shocked and angry" by
"To hear that Justin lied is a shock," he said.
The order is totting up how much money was paid to
Brother Burke said he did not doubt the authenticity of other complainants.
"I have no doubt at all, unless something else like this comes up."
The order is seeking money back from
Police prosecutor Vanessa Sugrue told the court police would allege that
$85,000 of the money had been spent since it was paid six weeks ago. Police
were trying to recover the remaining $10,000.
But Judge Noble said he would not make an order, and would leave recovery of
the money "to the persuasiveness of the officer in charge".
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust manager Ken Clearwater said
Mr Clearwater said
Mr Clearwater was feeling duped yesterday. "I was there with him all the
way. Most of the other guys are going to be devastated."
Duty solicitor Alex Conte said that