Recently, two separate but related cases were heard before the courts in Dublin. On 22 February, retired surgeon, Michael Shine (aged 86) was sentenced to four years imprisonment for indecent assault committed during medical examinations of boys in his care at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on dates between 1971 and 1982.
Meanwhile, over in the Four Courts on 25 January, Ms Justice Ni Raifeartaigh refused two applications brought by the former and current owners of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. The defendants had applied to the court for an Order disallowing one of Shine’s victims to have his case for compensation tried before a jury. We understand that the defendants are appealing this decision. The victims’ long wait for justice continues.