PATRICK FITZPATRICK SHOCKS HARTLEPOOL AND SUNDERLAND WITH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Hartlepool and Sunderland, Patrick Fitzpatrick, a 75-year-old man with a long history of service and respect, has been convicted of heinous crimes committed decades ago. The incident dates back to the 1960s when Fitzpatrick was serving as a curate at St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic Church in Hartlepool, where he exploited his position of trust to sexually abuse four boys and three girls.

Durham Crown Court heard that Fitzpatrick, during the time of his offending, had confessed his inappropriate activities to a superior within the Roman Catholic Church. Following this confession, he underwent a period of self-imposed rehabilitation, which was intended to address his misconduct. Despite this, the abuse continued to haunt him and his victims for years to come.

The case only came to light recently, after one of the victims, who was just 13 years old at the time, summoned the courage to report the abuse to the police. The victim was motivated to come forward after viewing a television program that highlighted the disturbing pattern of abuse by Roman Catholic clergy. This revelation prompted a police investigation that uncovered further disturbing details.

It was revealed that Fitzpatrick, who had since left his role at the church in Hartlepool, had gone on to pursue academic and religious roles, including serving as a Doctor of Philosophy at Durham University and acting as a chaplain to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Sunderland. During police interviews, Fitzpatrick admitted to abusing two additional male victims, further implicating him in the scandal.

Following his arrest and subsequent charging, three women also came forward, claiming that Fitzpatrick had sexually abused them as well. Prosecutor Tim Clayson emphasized the breach of trust involved, stating, “It is clear he enjoyed great trust among the community and he did, on occasions, take advantage of that by grooming these young people so he could then carry out the offences.”

Clayson further explained that Fitzpatrick had advised one victim to keep the abuse a secret. However, the young boy confided in a teacher at his school, only to be accused of lying. The psychological impact on the victims has been profound, with many suffering long-term emotional trauma.

In mitigation, Bob Spragg acknowledged Fitzpatrick’s remorse, saying, “He fully accepts these matters were a breach of trust and he fully accepts that the person who you should be able to trust more than anyone else is the local priest. He feels ashamed of what happened 40 years ago and has managed to stifle this behaviour and he has led a life of great benefit to the community since.”

Fitzpatrick, who was residing at a monastery in Minsteracres, Northumberland, at the time of sentencing, was formerly based at Holy Cross Home in Sunderland, located on Ettrick Grove. He pleaded guilty to seven charges of indecent assault and requested that two additional similar offences be considered during sentencing.

Judge Richard Lowden condemned Fitzpatrick’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of trust and emphasizing the profound harm inflicted upon his victims. The court’s decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against abuse within religious institutions and highlights the importance of justice for those affected.