Sunday, December 19, 2010

The life and crimes of a notorious paedophile

1978 - Tony Walsh ordained a priest. Two days after he was appointed to Ballyfermot Parish, Archbishop House receives a complaint he abused an eight-year-old boy.

1979 - A 14-year-old boy alleges he was abused by Walsh.

1985 - Walsh meets Monsignor Alex Stenson and admits abuse. He agrees to see a psychiatrist.

1986 - Moved to Westland Row. He admits to abusing three children.

1988 - Walsh claimed he was drunk after complaint he interfered with girl. Later admits abuse on a "staggering scale."Archdiocese sends Walsh for treatment and removes him from his post.

1990 - Gardai contacted by a mother of abused child.

1992 - Archbishop Connell starts canonical process to defrock him.

1994 - Rome rules Walsh should remain a priest but go to a monastery for 10 years. Gardai arrest Walsh for sexually assaulting a child at grandfather's funeral.

1995 - Walsh in court on sex charge. Archdiocese contacts gardai. Walsh is charged with further offences. In November Pope John Paul II defrocks Walsh.

1996/1997 - Walsh jailed for 10 years for indecent assault. Reduced on appeal to six years.

2002 - RTE broadcasts Cardinal Secrets and 20 more people claim they were abused by Walsh.

2010 - Convicted of nine counts of indecent assault and five counts of buggery. Sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting abuse against a further two boys.

Murphy report finds Walsh may have abused hundreds of children.

SIC: II/IE