Brother Denies Sexual Abuse Allegations at Ni Inquiry

RTE News
November 27, 2014

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1127/662996-abuse-northern-ireland/

The Brother giving evidence exercised his right to remain anonymous

A De La Salle Brother who held senior positions at a residential home in Co Down has been giving evidence to Northern Ireland's Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.

The Brother, who is in his 70s, was interviewed by police seven times over a 20-year period but never charged or prosecuted.

He told the inquiry that dealing with charges he denies has controlled his life for the past 20 years.

The inquiry allows all witnesses giving evidence to retain or waive their anonymity.

The chairman, retired High Court judge Sir Anthony Hart, has warned a number of times about reporting that might allow the identification of witnesses who opt to remain anonymous.

The De La Salle Brother giving evidence this morning exercised his right to remain anonymous.

He worked at Rubane House for over 20 years.

Over 1,000 boys were sent to the Co Down care home during three decades until it closed in the mid-80s.

The Brother told the inquiry he had administered corporal punishment, with a bamboo cane, but never excessively.

He denied allegations of sexual abuse made by three boys against him.

The inquiry was shown a police document stating one of those claims had been fabricated.