Pedophile McClean questioned by Garda on new allegations

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Detectives investigating new allegations of abuse against former pedophile rugby coach John McClean have visited him behind bars in recent months.

The Sunday Independent understands that Garda has interviewed the sex offender three times at Arbor Hill Prison since August over new complaints from men who say they were abused by him as schoolchildren. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) declined to comment.

It is also understood that detectives are investigating a considerable number of new allegations against McClean.

The disgraced rugby coach pleaded guilty last November to a litany of attacks on 23 boys over 17 at Terenure College in Dublin.

McClean, a private school teacher for two decades, was jailed for eight years in February for indecent assault on children.

Sources say Garda advanced several cases against him after numerous other alleged victims have come forward since the 76-year-old was jailed.

McClean, formerly of Casimir Avenue, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, admitted to abusing boys in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Poignant victim statements were heard at a two-day sentencing hearing in February.

One victim wondered how many had tried this latest team of 23: Are we the tip of the iceberg? I fear it.

McClean joined Terenure College in 1973 and became a leading rugby coach at school and later at University College Dublin. He initially denied 27 indecent assault charges against the boys, but then pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

He taught English at Terenure College until 1996, coached rugby, and got involved in outfitting children with costumes for school plays.

McClean was removed from costume fitting in 1979 due to allegations against him. He later became a first year teacher with his own office.

The court heard how McClean admitted to sexually abusing children at Terenure College in 1996, but went on to take a prominent coaching position at UCD.

Inspector of the Guard Jason Miley testified that the father of one of the victims complained to Fr. Robert Kelly, then Provincial of the Carmelite Order.

McClean admitted the abuse; her confession was documented in the meeting notes held by Father Kelly. He left school and soon became director of rugby at UCD.

Inspector Miley read the victim impact statements of each of the former students in court which set out the lasting damage caused by McClean.

The pedophile is pursued by several former students. Lawsuits have been filed against the former coach, the school and the Carmelites and more are expected.

McClean’s legal team said he apologized and felt ashamed.

After the conviction, Terenure College issued a statement apologizing to McClean’s victims and admitting that the Carmelite Order failed in its duty to protect students.

In his statement, the school said: “Father Anna Hbin, Principal of Terenure College, and Father Michael Troy, Provincial of the Carmelite Order in Ireland, recognize the devastating and lasting impact this has had on the community. the lives of victims and survivors and the lives of their families and friends. “

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