Durham and Tyneside

A Catholic priest has been imprisoned for four years after admitting a number of sex attacks on young children. Father John Benedict Corrigan, 71, was extradited from Ireland to the UK to face charges for sexually abusing three boys and a girl in Durham and Tyneside. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault on boys aged between eight and 13, between 1967 and 1972. Some of the offences occurred whilst he worked at St Wilfred's Church in Gateshead.

Father John Benedict Corrigan admitted the attacks against the boys shortly after he was extradited in 2007 and the publicity led to a fourth female victim coming forward. He later admitted two indecent assaults on the 15-year-old girl, nearly 40 years ago, at Newcastle Crown Court. When allegations are made against members of the Catholic Church there are strict procedures in place to investigate fully.

Survivors of child abuse may be able to obtain further redress in the form of compensation for their suffering and for support counselling or other medical treatment to assist in their recovery from the abuser or, in certain circumstances, from the abuser's employer.

If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse please contact our specialist team for free advice.