A former Catholic College Bendigo staff member has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two young boys twenty years ago while a Darling Downs Catholic school teacher has been charged with seven counts of rape. Geoffrey Daryl Toomey, 38, who was described as a "popular staff member'', yesterday pleaded guilty in the Bendigo County Court to five charges of gross indecency and three of indecent assault, the Bendigo Advertiser reports.
Toomey's victims were aged six and 11 at the time of the assaults.
The court heard that between January and August 1991, Toomey abused one boy several times at his home.
At the time, Toomey was about 20 and the boy about 11. On other occasions, Toomey also played pornographic material to the boy. Crown prosecutor Patrick Southey said the other victim, a boy aged about six, was abused in a similar pattern.
Catholic College principal Darren McGregor said in court yesterday: "I never had any concerns about Geoff and the way he conducted himself.''
Describing him as reliable, loyal and committed, Mr McGregor said Toomey was a "popular member of staff''.
Working in "daily organisation'', Toomey was responsible for dealing with absent staff and the details of school excursions.
Mr McGregor said Toomey was shocked when first spoken to by police, and apologetic for the situation he'd put the college in.
"He expressed to me a very strong remorse,'' he said.
Outside court yesterday the victim said he had achieved his aims and found healing by taking the case to court.
The man said he had felt used as a child.
Darling Downs rape allegationsIn another story, the Catholic Education Office says it is providing support to a southern Queensland Darling Downs primary school at the centre of sexual assault allegations against a former teacher, ABC News says.
A 59 year old man appeared in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday charged with seven counts of rape and 19 counts of indecent treatment of children.
He was refused bail by magistrate Kay Ryan.
The man, and the school he taught at, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Toowoomba Catholic Education director John Borserio says counsellors are helping the school to cope.
"We made available counsellors to parents and staff yesterday," he said.
"We facilitated three small group meetings with parents to provide up to date information, to clarify any issues, and to respond to any questions they had.
"We've made available office personnel for parents to come to speak with them, so they know there is an opportunity for them if they have questions or concerns."
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(Source: CTHN)