FRANCIS MCDERMOTT SENTENCED FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS IN BIDEFORD AND LONDON CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL

A Catholic priest named Francis McDermott has been sentenced to a prison term of nine years and eleven months after being convicted of abusing six children during the 1970s. The heinous crimes committed by McDermott, who is 75 years old and resides in Westward Ho, Bideford, spanned several locations including London, Norwich, and High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, with the abuse occurring between 1971 and 1978, as detailed during the proceedings at Aylesbury Crown Court.

During the sentencing hearing held on a recent Thursday, two of McDermott’s victims delivered emotional statements recounting the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon their lives. One victim expressed her feelings with raw honesty, stating, "I hate you. There is no one to blame but you," while another victim described how her entire family had been affected, revealing that they had all been "married and baptised by a disgusting monster." These powerful testimonies underscored the devastating impact of McDermott’s actions.

Judge Catherine Tulk addressed McDermott directly, criticizing his repeated refusal to admit guilt despite numerous opportunities. She highlighted the stark irony that one of the core principles of the Catholic Church—confession—had been exploited by McDermott to conceal his crimes. The court also heard that allegations against him had been reported to the church on two separate occasions; however, these reports were not forwarded to law enforcement authorities after McDermott denied the accusations, allowing him to evade justice for years.

Following a trial, McDermott was found guilty of 18 counts of historic child sex offences. His defense attorney, Trevor Burke QC, acknowledged that McDermott had been a Catholic priest throughout most of his adult life but suggested that he had experienced a period of moral decline lasting approximately seven years.

One of the victims, Eleanor, now in her 50s, recounted her traumatic experience of being sexually abused by McDermott when she was only 12 years old. She explained that she initially believed she was in love with him and was unaware that his actions were wrong. Eleanor described how McDermott, who was 74 at the time of her abuse, began his assault over an 18-month period, starting with innocent gestures such as asking for a cuddle while lying on a sofa in her family home. She recalled how he gradually escalated his behaviour to touching her intimately under her clothes.

Eleanor, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, shared that she thought she was special because of her relationship with McDermott, believing he loved her. She expressed her shock upon realizing the true nature of his actions when her then-partner reacted with disbelief and anger upon learning about her first kiss with McDermott. She vividly remembered feeling bewildered and overwhelmed, unable to comprehend that what had happened was wrong, as she had no prior awareness of abuse.

Her realization came five years later, when her partner’s reaction made her understand the severity of her situation. Eleanor described the emotional turmoil she experienced, including the sense of a dark shadow cast over her subsequent relationship with her husband. She recounted how she initially reported the abuse to her church and later to police in 2002. Despite her initial reluctance to pursue legal action, her resolve strengthened in 2017 when Thames Valley Police contacted her about their investigation into McDermott.

Eleanor was notably one of the few victims willing to testify in court without the protection of a screen, a decision she made to reclaim her power and confront her abuser directly. She explained that her choice was driven by a desire to show McDermott that he no longer held control over her and that she had nothing to hide. Her testimony was emotionally taxing, bringing back painful memories of her childhood and the innocence lost.

She expressed disappointment in McDermott’s denial and apparent lack of remorse, stating her hope that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Eleanor also shared her intention to seek further counseling, acknowledging that the prison sentence might trigger feelings of anger and grief. Despite the trauma, she emphasized her resilience, asserting that she would not allow McDermott’s actions to ruin her life entirely. She reflected on the missed opportunities and happiness lost but affirmed her determination not to be defeated by her past.

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the NSPCC issued a statement condemning McDermott’s abuse, highlighting how he exploited his trusted position as a priest to groom children and manipulate their families. The spokesperson noted that McDermott likely believed he had escaped justice, but the courage of his victims in coming forward had ultimately led to his conviction. They emphasized that it is never too late for victims to report abuse and seek support.

Detective Constable Catriona Cameron from the Child Abuse Investigation Department at Aylesbury police station also commented on the case. She pointed out that McDermott, once a respected figure within the Catholic community, used his position to befriend children for his own sexual gratification. Cameron praised the bravery of the six victims who reported their abuse more than four decades after the crimes occurred. She expressed gratitude for their support and emphasized that the police will continue to investigate all reports of sexual offences thoroughly, regardless of when they happened. Cameron concluded by expressing hope that this case marks the beginning of a healing process for all those affected by McDermott’s actions.