De La Salle College at Revesby a ‘hot spot’ of paedophilia, claims Sydney lawyer

By Rebecca Parish
Daily Telegraph
July 17, 2017

https://goo.gl/LykD4a

Former De La Salle College student John Comerford said he went to the school to confront his alleged abuser Brother Anselm Hallam with a loaded shotgun. Photo by Sam Ruttyn

Jason Parkinson’s firm was among the few actually suing the Catholic Church and the orders.

The revelation about the Catholic boys school comes after countless men came forward with allegations of being sexually abused by numerous staff at the school in the 1970s and ’80s.

Among the worst offenders was Brother Anselm Hallam, also known as Tom Hallam, who was allegedly moved to the Sydney school from one in Melbourne after sexual abuse complaints were made against him.

Mr Hallam died in the early 1990s aged 92 before his charges could be heard in court.

John Comerford told NewsLocal that at age 18 he went to the Revesby school with a loaded shotgun to confront Mr Hallam, who allegedly raped him seven years earlier, but was told the teacher was dead.

The assault led Mr Comerford down the dark road of substance abuse, suicide attempts and relationship breakdowns.

Jason Parkinson, of Porters Lawyers, said an article that referenced the school in January led to about 15 men contacting him and saying they had been assaulted at the school.

“I think that says a lot about the number of children being abused,” he said.

“The men have complained to us that Brother Anselm would routinely molest the entire class of children by having them stand up at the side of their desk, and have them unbutton their shorts and then go from one child to the next.

“We consider it to be a hot spot of paedophilia in Sydney.”

Mr Parkinson said his firm was among the few actually suing the Catholic Church and the orders.

He said seeing a lawyer rather than going directly to the church with a complaint would ensure victims received “proper compensation”.

“To see a lawyer who is experienced in this ... ensures survivors of child sexual abuse can, for the first time, get proper compensation for all of their pain and suffering,” he said.

De La Salle gave its “ unreserved apology to those who have suffered as a result of abuse endured at any of our facilities”.

“What happened in the past is unacceptable and inexcusable,” it said.

“De La Salle schools today meet stringent policies in respect of child protection including mandated government requirements.

“The De La Salle Brothers will continue to work with those who have suffered abuse in line with the recommended approach of the Royal Commission, namely personal apology, counselling and provision of monetary compensation.”