ELDERLY TEACHER JACK MANNING SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
An 88-year-old former Christian brother and teacher has been sentenced to four years in prison for the sexual abuse of eight boys he was teaching in first class in primary school during the 1970s.The court learned that Jack Manning would call each boy to the top of the class and have them read a book on his desk, then proceed to sexually abuse them by touching their bottom and genitals both inside and outside their clothing.
He would call the next boy once the first had returned to his seat.
Manning, who resides in a nursing home on Dunsink Lane, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to 14 charges of indecent assault committed at CBS, Westland Row, Dublin 2, in 1973 and 1974.
The court was told there were 74 charges in total, with the pleas accepted as a sample of the accusations.
The victims, all classmates, wished to remain anonymous but agreed to Manning's name being reported.
Manning had previously been jailed in July 2021 for three years for the indecent assault of four boys at the same school, pleading guilty to nine counts of abusing pupils between 1972 and 1973.
The judge, Martin Nolan, highlighted that Manning exploited his position as a teacher and abused all eight victims on numerous occasions, possibly over 100 times, causing significant and lasting impact on their lives.
Victim impact statements revealed feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness, with some describing a sense of betrayal and an inability to believe they would be believed.
Recognizing Manning's age and health, the judge considered whether imprisonment was appropriate but ultimately decided that justice required incarceration.
Manning was sentenced to two consecutive two-year terms, emphasizing the severity and outrageous nature of his misconduct and his abuse of power.
The court praised Garda Tara Power for her role in bringing the case to prosecution.
The judge underscored that Manning's behavior was wholly unacceptable, showing no regard for the children’s safety, and deserved prison time despite his advanced age and infirmities, which were considered in the sentencing decision.
