A former student alleges that a teacher at a Catholic school in British Columbia sexually abused him in the 1990s. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George and the school have reached a $3.4 million settlement with the victim, acknowledging legal responsibility for the teacher's actions.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George, B.C., has reached a $3.4 million settlement with an alleged victim of sexual abuse by a former teacher. The settlement, announced by lawyer Sandra Kovacs, who represented the anonymous man in the lawsuit, includes the diocese and St. Thomas More Collegiate, a Catholic school in Burnaby, B.C. Also named in the lawsuit was former teacher Alfred Patrick Quigley, who the plaintiff alleged sexually abused him in the 1990s.
Quigley taught at O'Grady Catholic High School in Prince George, and one of the alleged assaults was said to have occurred at St. Thomas More Collegiate. The lawsuit accused Quigley of 'grooming' the plaintiff before sexually assaulting him in 1993 and 1994. Quigley denied 'each and every allegation' in the lawsuit in his response filed in court, but he didn't participate in the case as it approached trial and couldn't be reached for comment. The allegations were not proven in court and Quigley, now 75 and believed to be living in Newfoundland, has not been charged criminally in B.C. The diocese stated that while they were unaware of the wrongdoing at the time, they acknowledged and accepted legal responsibility for Quigley's actions. They expressed hope that the settlement would allow the plaintiff to continue his healing journey and extend that healing to all victims of abuse. The lawsuit detailed Quigley's alleged 'unusually friendly and attentive' behavior towards the plaintiff, taking him to 'sexually charged' movies, including 'Basic Instinct.' It also alleged that Quigley showered the plaintiff with gifts, took him on overnight trips, taught him to play squash, and engaged in nude activities at a facility where they showered or went to a steam room. Kovacs, who specializes in institutional abuse cases, emphasized that holding the system accountable was crucial. She pointed to a 'culture of secrecy' within the Catholic Church as a systemic issue that enables abuse. She stressed the need for the church to address this at its foundation to prevent future occurrences. The diocese and O'Grady High School had denied all allegations of grooming, sexual assault, systemic negligence, and wilful blindness in their response to the lawsuit. The plaintiff expressed optimism about his continued recovery from the trauma and encouraged other abuse survivors to speak out for healing and justice
Sexual Abuse Catholic Church Canada Lawsuit Settlement Teacher Abuse Survivor Accountability Grooming
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canadian Man Settles Sexual Abuse Suit Against Roman Catholic Diocese for $3.4 MillionA British Columbia man who alleges he was sexually abused by a teacher in the 1990s has reached a $3.4 million settlement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George and St. Thomas More Collegiate. The lawsuit claimed the man was 'groomed and sexually abused' by a teacher at O'Grady Catholic High School in Prince George, B.C. The teacher is now 75 years old and believed to be living in Newfoundland. The diocese and school did not contest the abuse claims but denied liability.
Read more »
Catholic Diocese of Prince George, B.C., settles abuse lawsuit for $3.4M: lawyerA British Columbia man who says he was sexually abused by a teacher in the 1990s has reached a $3.4-million settlement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince George and St. Thomas More Collegiate.
Read more »
Catholic Diocese Settles $3.4M Lawsuit Over Alleged Teacher AbuseA British Columbia Catholic diocese has settled a $3.4 million lawsuit brought by an anonymous man alleging sexual abuse by a former school teacher.
Read more »
Catholic Diocese and school in B.C. settle abuse lawsuit for $3.4-millionLawsuit accused B.C. Catholic teacher of ‘grooming’ the plaintiff before sexually assaulting him in 1993 and 1994
Read more »
Canada Settles $150 Million Lawsuit Over Racism in MilitaryThe Canadian government has reached a $150 million settlement with military personnel who endured racism during their service. The payout, ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 per individual, addresses a class-action lawsuit filed by those who experienced discrimination within the Canadian Armed Forces between April 1985 and January 10. The settlement also includes a commitment to systemic cultural changes within the military.
Read more »
Canadian Military Settles $150 Million Racism LawsuitThe Canadian government has agreed to a $150 million settlement with military personnel who faced racism during their service. The class-action lawsuit stemmed from claims of racial discrimination experienced by those serving between April 1985 and January 10th. Eligible individuals can receive payouts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 and have the option of a personal apology from the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Read more »