CALDEY ISLAND (WALES)
Jackson Observer
January 5, 2018
A monk who sexually abused children on Caldey Island was warned by an abbot that he risked “severe penalties” if his behaviour continued.
Father Thaddeus Kotik‘s abuse was reported to Brother Robert O‘Brien in 1990 but not to police, a letter seen by Wales shows.
Dyfed-Powys Police said it received reports of the abuse in 2014 and 2016.
They investigated but could not prosecute as Kotik died in 1992.
Six women have been paid compensation in an out-of-court settlement by Caldey Abbey following the sexual abuse claims.
Kotik befriended families who regularly visited the island. After gaining the trust of parents he would babysit the children and sexually abuse them, court papers have suggested.
One of them, , said she “bitterly regrets” that her abuser was never jailed.
There are fears there could be more victims and calls have been made for an by the Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors group.
In the letter, Brother Robert showed Kotik‘s behaviour was known about in the monastery, a place which attracts tourists to the small island.
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