RONALD BENNETT'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN CO MEATH AND KILLINEY REVEALED

In March 2010, a disturbing case involving Ronald Bennett, a former priest and spiritual director at Gormanston College, came to light, revealing a history of sexual misconduct that spanned several decades. Bennett, who is 75 years old, faced serious allegations of abusing young boys during his time at the Co Meath school, as well as in Killiney, where he resided at a Franciscan house in Co Dublin.

The court proceedings uncovered that Bennett had previously been convicted for assaulting multiple boys while serving at Gormanston College. The latest charges involved two specific incidents from the early 1970s, where Bennett pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a teenage boy. The court was informed that over a period of two years, Bennett would summon his young victim to his room on a weekly basis. During these encounters, he would ask the boy if he knew how to seduce a woman before removing his trousers and subjecting him to sexual abuse.

The victim, whose identity remains protected by law, testified that the Franciscan order was aware of the abuse for many years but failed to take any action to prevent it. This revelation added to the outrage surrounding the case, highlighting a pattern of neglect and cover-up within the religious institution.

Ronald Bennett’s legal representative, Hugh Hartnett, argued that his client was now under strict restrictions imposed by the Franciscan Order, which effectively confined him to their residence in Killiney. Despite these measures, Bennett’s past actions had already resulted in a prison sentence for abusing four boys at Gormanston College.

During the court hearing, Judge Donagh McDonagh condemned Bennett for abusing his position of trust, both as a spiritual director and a sports coach at the school. The judge noted that, typically, such cases would have been addressed during Bennett’s previous sentencing, where he received a five-year prison term, half of which was suspended. However, the judge acknowledged the severe restrictions already placed on Bennett by his religious order.

Ultimately, Judge McDonagh sentenced Ronald Bennett to two and a half years in prison, with the sentence suspended on the condition that he adhere to the restrictions set by the Franciscans. Additionally, Bennett was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct and safeguarding measures for potential future victims.