A Catholic brother has been found guilty of historical sexual abuse between 1978 and 1983. Francis Brophy, 87, was found guilty by a jury of five offences and sentenced for more than 30 counts in total.
Brophy preyed on vulnerable boys at BoysTown orphanage in Queensland, sexually abusing nine of them.
Brisbane District Court Judge William Everson told Francis Brophy: “Your legacy disgusts me and every right-minded member of society.” Brisbane District Court Judge William Everson told Francis Brophy today.
“It is the sheer terror that you presented to the victims in the context of their complete and utter helplessness that places your conduct in a special category of seriousness,” Judge Everson continued.
There were tears in the public gallery as the court heard details of the abuse.
Judge Everson also denounced him as “a cowardly, evil paedophile” who caused his victims to develop post-traumatic stress disorder as adults.
In a statement issued this afternoon, the De La Salle Brothers said “a member of the Order” had been sentenced for crimes that amounted to a profound betrayal of the trust of children.
“These actions have caused great pain and suffering and for that we are truly remorseful,” it read.
Brophy was sentenced to a head term of eight years behind bars but set a parole eligibility date for two years’ time.
