Brian McKiterick paid out by Christian Brothers, Vincentian Fathers after institutional sexual abuse

A former Surf Coast mayor won a $550,000 settlement from two Catholic religious orders five days before his institutional abuse case was due to begin in the Supreme Court.

Brian McKiterick reached the settlement with the Christian Brothers and Vincentian Fathers after he was sexually abused by two priests at two separate schools.

Arnold, Thomas and Becker lawyer Cameron Doig said the outcome showed the power of civil litigation to shine a spotlight on “the church’s notorious and sordid history of shuffling around known paedophile priests”.

“Despite the defendants’ denials and deflections, Brian’s persistence forced the Christian Brothers and Vincentian Fathers to concede and pay him this substantial sum to avoid court,” he said.

“The church’s apologies demonstrate how ordinary people like Brian can use the courts to achieve true accountability and recognition from powerful and wealthy defendants.”

Read more about this story in the media.

Contact us

As a leading Australian Abuse firm, we have helped hundreds of brave abuse survivors obtain compensation for physical, psychological and sexual abuse in intuitional settings. Money can’t take the pain away, however, it can help achieve clarity and closure. We have extensive experience in obtaining ground-breaking multi-million dollar payments for our clients. Visit our Institutional Abuse page for more information or call us on 03 9034 8433.

 

 

 

Get in touch

Testimonials

I’d been living the dream my entire life and it all came crashing down. When I was faced with a legal issue, I didn’t know where to start as far as making a claim. I saw an ad on TV saying give “Arnold Thomas & Becker a call…” so I did. 

After speaking with Lee Flanagan and listening to his knowledge of law, I felt at ease as he understood my situation and my occupation as a Professional Athlete.  I decided then and there this was the right law firm for me.

The fact that Lee was also a surfer and understood how I earned an income from surfing made all the difference.  

 My lawyers Lee Flanagan and Aki Munir are experts in their field and they certainly proved that.  Their legal assistant Lucy Maher was always on the ball and kept me informed throughout my claim.

 Initially I had approached another well-known law firm (who I was told were the best), but they just didn’t get it.  

I’m so grateful to the Arnold Thomas & Becker team – they achieved an incredible outcome for me.  I’m relieved to put all this behind me and start my life again.

Ross Clarke-Jones – Big Wave Surfer 

Ross Clarke-Jones - Big Wave Surfer