Former Teacher Peter Kelly Sentenced for Indecent Assault of Boys

A former teacher at Willow Park Primary School in south Dublin has been sentenced for the indecent assault of eight boys over three decades ago. Peter Kelly, aged 73, who taught at the school from 1977 until 2004, was convicted last month on 28 counts of indecent assault, which occurred during the 1970s and 1980s. The jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court delivered majority verdicts on these charges.

The school, formerly run by the Holy Ghost Fathers and now known as the Spiritans, has faced scrutiny following revelations of systemic abuse. One of the survivors, during a recent sentencing hearing, expressed that Kelly was “a mere cog in a machine of systematic abuse” and that the institution tolerated widespread sexual misconduct. “We as children had no chance,” the survivor stated.

Impact on Victims and Court Proceedings

All eight complainants, who were between the ages of 10 and 13 at the time of the offences, submitted victim impact statements that highlighted the severe psychological effects of the abuse. Judge Elma Sheehan heard these statements, along with submissions from the prosecution and defence, before adjourning sentencing to today, March 15, 2024. The varying legislation applicable to the time of the offences means that maximum penalties differ, with some charges carrying a maximum of two years and others up to ten years.

In his mitigation statement, defence counsel Andrew Sexton SC noted that Kelly spent his entire life around his home in Booterstown and at the school, suggesting that imprisonment would be particularly challenging for someone of his age. Notably, Kelly has not accepted the jury’s verdict.

During the court proceedings, six complainants attended and shared their experiences, while the remaining statements were read by Inspector Rachel Kilpatrick, who has been involved in a significant Garda investigation into allegations of abuse at both Blackrock College and Willow Park Primary School since 2021.

Details of the Abuse

Many of the incidents described in the victim statements occurred in the classroom. One complainant recounted a disturbing practice Kelly referred to as the “Muppet Show,” where he would take a child under his cloak and inappropriately touch them under the guise of tickling. Others detailed how Kelly would pull boys onto his lap and bounce them aggressively, while pushing his body against theirs in a way that some described as akin to “a humiliation ritual.”

More egregious acts took place in secluded areas, including a rugby changing room where one boy was assaulted multiple times. This involved being held face down across Kelly’s knee while he slapped the child and made inappropriate advances. Another victim described being forced to bend over gym equipment while Kelly touched him inappropriately.

The psychological toll on the survivors has been profound. Some have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others reported struggles with suicidal thoughts and severe anxiety. One complainant expressed that he felt a constant sense of “danger and dread” around Kelly and struggled to cope with various aspects of adult life due to the trauma.

Another victim stated that the abuse affected his relationship with his father, creating a barrier to physical affection. Many survivors have sought psychiatric care, with one indicating that he spent prolonged periods in psychiatric hospitals. Another described himself as a “hollow shell of a human,” battling addiction and emotional numbness as a coping mechanism.

The court’s proceedings have shed light on the broader issue of abuse within institutions affiliated with the Spiritans, raising awareness about the long-lasting impact on survivors. The hearing continues to resonate with the community, as it marks a crucial step toward accountability for past wrongs.