TEACHER PAUL KELLY CONVICTED OF SEX ABUSE 'LET CHILDREN SLEEP IN ROOM'
A teacher who was found guilty of sexually abusing boys at a religious-order-operated school has informed a child abuse investigation that he allowed boys to sleep in his room overnight.Kelly also recounted how he once struck a boy with a strap while serving as a teacher and housemaster at St Ninian's School in Falkland, Fife, operated by the Christian Brothers.
At 66 years old, Kelly received a 10-year prison sentence in 2016 after being convicted on four counts of indecent assault and two other assault charges related to his time at the school.
Lord Matthews described Kelly's conduct as "grossly corrupt." During a testimonial via video link from Dumfries prison, Kelly told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in Edinburgh that he maintains his innocence and intends to refer his case to the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Kelly explained that he decided to discipline a boy after he saw another boy hit a corner flag—stored in another staff member's drawer—resulting in cuts to the child's chest.
He also admitted to allowing boys to sleep overnight in his room while overseeing the junior dormitories, a practice he claimed was initiated by the former brother because one of the boys was afraid of the dark.
He denied the allegations that he had touched a boy's private parts under his pajamas, asserting that such an incident did not occur.
The inquiry listened to evidence that Kelly was convicted of charges including sexual abuse involving boys participating in sex acts together and boys being forced to perform sex acts on other children.
Kelly stated, "That is what was said at the trial but I again deny that." Lady Smith informed Kelly that he had the right to remain silent and was not obligated to answer questions.
Kelly acknowledged with a simple "Yes." The proceedings before Lady Smith are ongoing.
