The former head of a Catholic boys’ home told a Belfast court yesterday he authorised settlements in up to nine cases of alleged sexual abuse. However, Br Christopher Commins did not accept children were molested at Rubane House, the De La Salle institution in Kircubbin, Co Down.
He was giving evidence in a civil action taken by a former member of the French Foreign Legion who claims he suffered months of sexual abuse after being sent there as an 11-year-old in 1982.
The Belfast man is seeking damages for the abuse he says was inflicted on him.
Lawyers for De La Salle have accused him of making false allegations for money. Judgment was reserved.