BishopAccountability.org
	Newry Democrat: Breaking News Police to Investigate School Changing-Room Camera Newry Democrat [Northern Ireland] May 18, 2005 THE police are to contact the Abbey Grammar School in Newry in relation to the placing of a secret camera in students' changing rooms, it was confirmed this week. In a statement issued to the Democrat, a PSNI spokeswoman said, "The protection of children and young persons is an important goal for all in society including parents, teachers and public services, including the police service. We are aware of speculation in relation to a school in the Newry and Mourne area raising concerns and we intend to contact the school with a view to pursuing this matter." She added that should any formal complaint be made to police, it will be fully investigated. Meanwhile, an organisation which combats internet child pornography and the trafficking of children has also expressed an interest in the Abbey controversy. Gregory Carlin, the director of the Belfast based Irish Anti-Trafficking Coalition, told the Democrat that he has been in contact with both the police and Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore in relation to the matter. In correspondence forwarded to Mr Carlin, Bishop McAreavey indicated that responsibility for governing the school lies with its board of governors and the Christian Brothers and added that he is not the correct party with whom the issue should be raised. Speaking to the Democrat, Mr Carlin called on the Abbey's board of governors to offer a public apology, describing it as a "matter of great surprise" that this has yet to be done. According to Mr Carlin, if no apology is forthcoming, he will arrange for a leaflet drop on the issue throughout the Newry area and will also call a public meeting. "The school is setting a dreadful precedent and could be on shaky ground, as it is difficult to see this issue surviving a legal challenge," Mr Carlin claimed. "The consequences could be financially devastating should any parents decide to launch a civil action." The matter came to light two weeks ago when it emerged that a video showing teenagers using the school's changing room had been viewed by a number of students. The camera had been installed for a short period during the 2003-04 academic year in an effort to identify a thief.
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