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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
July 23, 2003

Sex-case brothers asked to return
by Yvonne Martin

Police have dropped investigations against two Catholic brothers in Australia after a Christchurch complainant said he lied about abuse.

But they are pursuing action against four Sydney-based brothers from the St John of God Order, asking them to return voluntarily to face charges in New Zealand. A former brother, now living in northern Queensland, will also be asked to return.

"Having regard to the seriousness and number of allegations, they are the ones that we've decided to proceed with," said inquiry head Detective Sergeant Earle Borrell.

The brothers all worked at the former Marylands residential school that is at the centre of sex abuse allegations by boys sent there because of learning or intellectual disabilities.

One complainant, Justin Todd Richardson, 34, has admitted to police that he conjured up his story of sexual abuse to get money from the order.

Detectives, unable to substantiate his story while making inquiries in Australia, re-interviewed him about his claims.

He has been charged with making a false complaint and with obtaining $95,000 from St John of God by a false pretence. He was remanded on bail for a fortnight on Monday.

Richardson is one of 18 former Marylands boys who have made sexual allegations against Bernard Kevin McGrath, a Christchurch former brother facing 32 sex charges.

The charges against McGrath, 56, allege sodomy and indecencies against boys aged under 16 from 1968 to 1984.

The charge relating to Richardson, plus another, is expected to be withdrawn at McGrath's next appearance, and others added.

Richardson was also a key complainant against two brothers under investigation in Australia. Those two cases have now been dropped.

But the four brothers in Sydney have been invited, through their lawyer, to return to New Zealand.

The brothers have until the end of the month to reply to the request, before the police decide on extradition procedures.