Sex Abuse Probe Widens into Victorian Catholic School

By Jon Kaila Herald
Herald Sun
February 25, 2015

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/sex-abuse-probe-widens-into-victorian-catholic-school/story-fni0fee2-1227238221964

DETECTIVES investigating an employee at St Patrick’s College in Sale over the sexual assault of students have now widened their probe after receiving information other employees were involved.

Sano Taskforce detectives said they had received many calls from new victims and received complaints of child abuse at the Catholic school in the 1970s and 80s involving “a number of other former school employees.”

“Previously investigators were focusing their attentions on one offender, but have since received complaints against a number of other former school employees,” Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said.

“The new complaints were made by male students aged between nine and 16 at the time of the incidents when they attended the boys only boarding school.”

Detectives interviewed an 87-year-old Sale man, a former school employee, last Thursday.

He was released pending further enquiries.

Child Exploitation Taskforce Detective Inspector Stephen Dennis said it was never too late for victims to come forward.

“It has become apparent from the new complaints we have received that the initial reported incidents were not isolated,” he said.

“Callers from throughout Australia and overseas have been in contact with Sano Taskforce investigators in Melbourne and have indicated that other former school employees may be implicated in the sexual abuse of students.

“We believe there may still be more people out there who can be of assistance to police and we urge them to come forward and provide information.”

Detectives want to speak to any victims or witnesses who may have information relating to sexual abuse at the college.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Sano Taskforce directly on 1800 110 007 or information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au