Abuser jailed for five years

A priest who retired to Newarthill has been jailed for five years for the physical and sexual abuse of boys at a school in Fife.
John Farrells crimes caught up with him after more than 30 years.John Farrells crimes caught up with him after more than 30 years.
John Farrells crimes caught up with him after more than 30 years.

John Farrell (73) carried out the abuse from January 1979 until July 1983 while working as headmaster at St Ninian’s School in Falkland.

Paul Kelly (63) from Plymouth, a former housemaster at the school, was jailed for ten years.

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The school was run by members of the Christian Brotherhood between 1952 and 1983 and catered for male pupils of secondary school age in need of care and protection.

Farrell and Kelly were convicted of preying on six boys, some of them were only 11 at the time they were abused.

Procurator Fiscal for Sexual Offences in East of Scotland Kenny Donnelly said: “Although these crimes took place decades ago, this case, and others like it, show that justice can be achieved after many years.”

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