Claire Harden-Frost successfully prosecutes Roman Catholic Priest

News | Fri 26th May, 2017

Claire successfully prosecutes Roman Catholic Priest who escaped justice for 40 years but was convicted of serious sex offences and sentenced to 22 years imprisonment.

Father Eugene Fitzpatrick was unanimously convicted by a jury of multiple counts of serious sexual abuse against two boys. The earliest offences were committed against the first of his victims in in 1966 and continued through until 1975 by which time he was training to become a Priest. He ceased training after a complaint was made by the victim’s parents, but the matter was not reported to the police, only to return and complete his training before being ordained in 1986. He went on to seriously sexually abuse a second victim in 1987 in the sacristy of the church at which he worked. He was finally brought to justice after being identified by the second of his victims. HHJ Shetty sentenced the defendant to a total of 22 years imprisonment.

The police paid tribute to the bravery of his victims in coming forward.

Claire Harden-Frost acted for the prosecution.