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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
July 4, 2003

Bogus sex-complainant in hiding
by Yvonne Martin

Justin Richardson, the man who says he lied about abuse by Catholic brothers, has gone to ground as fellow complainants threaten to lynch him.

Richardson told police he conjured up his story of sexual abuse at Marylands School to get money from the St John of God Order and has been charged with laying a false complaint.

He is also charged with obtaining a $95,000 payout by a false pretence -- his share of a $4 million settlement offered to 56 complainants.

A fellow complainant, known as Dave, said Richardson should watch out because of the anger fermenting in other men.

"There's a few guys who would like to string him up," Dave said.

"If I was him I'd be taking a walk somewhere. He has undermined everything we have done in the last year."

Richardson was not home when The Press called yesterday. His landlady said he had not returned after his court appearance and neither should he.

"I'm kicking him out," said Leeanne Prouting. "Every day there's been a new drama with him and I've had it."

She had believed her lodger's story, given him sympathy, and watched him splurge thousands of dollars on a four-wheel-drive Isuzu Big Horn, a new wardrobe, and meals out.

He had even lent her and her fiance money to buy a car and his name appeared on the ownership papers.

Richardson has entered no pleas to his charges and was remanded for a week. He is one of 18 former Marylands boys who have made sexual allegations against Bernard Kevin McGrath, a former brother facing 32 sex charges.

Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust manager Ken Clearwater was struggling to pacify a group of angry clients feeling hoodwinked by Richardson yesterday.

Richardson had poured out his soul and shed tears alongside the other men at support meetings and their trust had been betrayed.

"When I went home after hearing the news I wanted to punch him myself because of the effect it's going to have on the genuine cases," Mr Clearwater said.

"I'm concerned for him and his safety. The guys are ropable."

But Brother Peter Burke, the Australasian head of St John of God, appealed for compassion and forgiveness.

Over his initial shock and anger, he said he would pray for Richardson, who obviously needed help.

"I would hope that Justin is safe and that he will get through this hiccup in his life. I would like to think that the others would forgive Justin as well."

Brother Burke believed Richardson's change of story was an isolated case. He had no reason to doubt the allegations of the other complainants or change the process the order was following.

Dave said the complainants were devastated by the outcome.

"Week after week after week he sat there like a hypocrite and listened to all our stories and gave his," he said. "He was really forceful and nobody had any reason to disbelieve him."