WILLIAM MANAHAN AT BUCKFAST ABBEY: MONK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLBOYS IN DEVON
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Buckfast Abbey Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community surrounding Buckfast Abbey in Devon, William Manahan, an 80-year-old monk, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of sexually abusing boys over three decades ago. The offences took place at Buckfast Abbey Preparatory School, a now-closed institution, during the years between 1971 and 1978.
Manahan, who was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1952 and had been a member of the Benedictine monastic order since 1945, was known within the church and the school community by the name Father Philip. His roles at Buckfast Abbey included serving as Father Prior from 1968 to 1976 and again in 2003, although he resigned from his position following his arrest. The court heard that he was actively involved in teaching Latin, mathematics, English, and religious studies at the school, maintaining a connection with Buckfast until its closure in 1994.
The allegations against Manahan came to light only in 2006, despite the offences having occurred over 30 years earlier. The victims, who were between the ages of eight and thirteen at the time, had been subjected to grooming and abuse in various settings within the school environment. The court was informed that the abuse included inappropriate touching under the cover of his desk during lessons, as well as during leisure activities such as watching television in the school's boarding houses. There were also instances where Manahan gave the boys piggy-back rides, further exploiting his position of trust.
Judge John Neligan, presiding over the case at Exeter Crown Court, emphasized the manipulative nature of the abuse, noting that the victims had been too young, innocent, and confused to report what was happening to them. The judge pointed out that some boys had been favored with sweets and treats, which indicated elements of grooming and favoritism. While it was impossible to quantify the emotional damage inflicted, Judge Neligan made it clear that such abuse by individuals in positions of authority in educational settings must be met with severe consequences, including imprisonment.
The investigation into the abuse was initiated in 2004, initially focusing on allegations against another monk at Buckfast Abbey, Paul Couch. Couch, of Wyndham Street West in Plymouth, was convicted in August of two serious sexual offences and eleven counts of indecent assault against boys at the school. He was sentenced to ten years and nine months in prison. The case against Couch emerged after a former pupil came forward, revealing systematic abuse during his time at the school.
As part of the investigation, authorities distributed approximately 700 questionnaires to former pupils, which uncovered further allegations of sexual misconduct involving two monks, including Manahan. Devon and Cornwall Police expressed gratitude to the victims for their cooperation in sharing their traumatic experiences, which helped bring these cases to light.
Following the court proceedings, Buckfast Abbey issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the revelations. The statement acknowledged the pain caused to the victims and their families and emphasized that many former pupils recalled their time at Buckfast as happy and fulfilling. The Abbey also indicated that the Church authorities would now review William Manahan’s standing within the religious community, considering the serious nature of the allegations and the court’s findings.
Manahan, who was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1952 and had been a member of the Benedictine monastic order since 1945, was known within the church and the school community by the name Father Philip. His roles at Buckfast Abbey included serving as Father Prior from 1968 to 1976 and again in 2003, although he resigned from his position following his arrest. The court heard that he was actively involved in teaching Latin, mathematics, English, and religious studies at the school, maintaining a connection with Buckfast until its closure in 1994.
The allegations against Manahan came to light only in 2006, despite the offences having occurred over 30 years earlier. The victims, who were between the ages of eight and thirteen at the time, had been subjected to grooming and abuse in various settings within the school environment. The court was informed that the abuse included inappropriate touching under the cover of his desk during lessons, as well as during leisure activities such as watching television in the school's boarding houses. There were also instances where Manahan gave the boys piggy-back rides, further exploiting his position of trust.
Judge John Neligan, presiding over the case at Exeter Crown Court, emphasized the manipulative nature of the abuse, noting that the victims had been too young, innocent, and confused to report what was happening to them. The judge pointed out that some boys had been favored with sweets and treats, which indicated elements of grooming and favoritism. While it was impossible to quantify the emotional damage inflicted, Judge Neligan made it clear that such abuse by individuals in positions of authority in educational settings must be met with severe consequences, including imprisonment.
The investigation into the abuse was initiated in 2004, initially focusing on allegations against another monk at Buckfast Abbey, Paul Couch. Couch, of Wyndham Street West in Plymouth, was convicted in August of two serious sexual offences and eleven counts of indecent assault against boys at the school. He was sentenced to ten years and nine months in prison. The case against Couch emerged after a former pupil came forward, revealing systematic abuse during his time at the school.
As part of the investigation, authorities distributed approximately 700 questionnaires to former pupils, which uncovered further allegations of sexual misconduct involving two monks, including Manahan. Devon and Cornwall Police expressed gratitude to the victims for their cooperation in sharing their traumatic experiences, which helped bring these cases to light.
Following the court proceedings, Buckfast Abbey issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the revelations. The statement acknowledged the pain caused to the victims and their families and emphasized that many former pupils recalled their time at Buckfast as happy and fulfilling. The Abbey also indicated that the Church authorities would now review William Manahan’s standing within the religious community, considering the serious nature of the allegations and the court’s findings.