DESMOND LYNAGH'S SHOCKING PAST IN ABERDEEN AND FALKIRK: PRIEST'S CRIMES REVEALED

In a disturbing case that spans decades, Desmond Lynagh, a former priest with ties to Aberdeen and Falkirk, has a history marked by serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. As of July 2017, Lynagh continues to attend a Catholic church in Falkirk, specifically St Francis Xavier RC church, where he is seen regularly participating in religious services.

However, Lynagh's dark past dates back to the mid-1990s, when he was convicted and sentenced for heinous acts committed during his time as a teacher at Blairs College in Aberdeenshire. In July 1996, the High Court in Edinburgh sentenced the Irish-born priest to three years in prison after he admitted to engaging in shameless and indecent conduct towards two young boys. These victims, aged 15 and 17 at the time, were subjected to Lynagh's abuse while he was serving as a teacher at the college.

The abuse first began in 1974, with Lynagh preying on a 15-year-old student. Over an 18-month period, the priest exploited his position of trust, engaging in a series of indecent acts that left the victim profoundly confused and emotionally scarred. The initial incident involved Lynagh massaging the boy when he was feeling ill, which escalated to fondling and masturbation. The victim, who later pursued a career in social work, confided in spiritual advisers about his experiences, but due to the confessional confidentiality, the abuse was not immediately confronted.

It was only after the victim approached another priest that the matter was brought to the attention of the college authorities. Lynagh was confronted and subsequently left Blairs College. The second victim, aged 17, was also subjected to inappropriate conduct by Lynagh sometime between August 1975 and July 1976, when Lynagh attempted to put his hand under the boy’s bedclothes, an act that was thwarted.

Despite the severity of these allegations, Lynagh's actions did not come to light until 1994, when one of the victims, now an adult, reported his concerns to the police in Edinburgh. The victim was deeply affected by the abuse, which contributed to ongoing mental health struggles, including seeking medical advice and counseling for three years. In 1990, the same victim approached Archbishop Keith O’Brien of St Andrews and Edinburgh to express his concerns, leading to Lynagh’s reassignment from active pastoral duties to administrative roles. At that time, Lynagh was serving as a parish priest in Denny, Stirlingshire, and was also undergoing treatment for alcoholism and attending a clinic for sex offenders.

During the court proceedings, Lynagh’s defense counsel, Miss Leeona Dorrian QC, acknowledged his remorse and acceptance of responsibility. She explained that Lynagh, the only son in his family, was expected to become a priest from a young age. His family discouraged him from contact with girls, and he entered seminary at 17 with little sexual experience. He was later assigned to Blairs College as a teacher, despite feeling ill-equipped for the role, and began drinking heavily during his time there.

It was made clear during the trial that Lynagh’s misconduct was a long-standing pattern of indecency, persisted over many years while he held positions of high trust within the church. The court heard that the church was accused of attempting to cover up the abuse, including a controversial payment of £42,000 to one of the victims, which was made without alerting the police. The judge condemned Lynagh’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct and the need for him to atone publicly for his crimes.

Today, Lynagh remains a figure of concern in the communities of Aberdeen and Falkirk, where he continues to attend church services, raising questions about ongoing safety and accountability within the church institutions involved.