Diagnosis denied

CANADA
The Telegram

Barb Sweet
Published on June 28, 2016

A clinical psychologist told a civil trial Tuesday that sexual abuse at Mount Cashel did not result in any permanent diagnosis of psychological disorders for the John Does in the case.

Peter Badgio of Philadelphia, Pa., also discounted a theory that severe beatings — including an infamous shower incident — of one of the John Does was sexual sadism.

Four test case John Does claim the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corp. of St. John’s should be held liable for the sexual and physical abuse perpetrated by certain members of the lay order Irish Christian Brothers at the orphanage during the late 1940s to early 1960s.

The church says it did not operate the orphanage, and therefore is not responsible.

Badgio was originally retained by the Christian Brothers, but they are no longer defendants in the case, as they are bankrupt. He was called to the stand Tuesday by Chris Blom, a lawyer for the Episcopal Corp.

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