Fr James Doyle

Fr James Doyle was another priest who began abusing in St Peter's seminary.

Fr James Doyle was another priest who began abusing in St Peter's seminary.

A member of the teaching staff discovered that, while a seminarian, Fr Doyle attempted to molest a student there some time in 1972-1973. The staff member reported this to the president of the college, who dismissed it.

However, his ordination was postponed, though proceeded with a year later.

He served in a parish in Belfast from 1974 to 1979, and then returned to Wexford. Around this time various unidentifiable complainants, including a few hitchhikers, reported attempts by Fr Doyle to molest them. A priest was told by a parishioner that an altar boy had been molested. The priest reported the matter to Bishop Herlihy.

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Three other instances of abuse by Fr Doyle in the 1980s are detailed in the report. He also had problems with alcohol.

The Garda investigated reports of suspected abuse against Fr Doyle and decided there was sufficient evidence to prosecute. However, the Garda brought the reports to the attention of Bishop Herlihy. Fr Doyle was sent to Dublin for psychiatric assessment and treatment, and Prof Feichin O'Doherty, who provided the psychiatric assessment, said he had not faced up to his celibacy and should have a change of role away from working with young people. This advice was not acted upon.

In the early 1990s Fr Doyle sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy in the home, and was discovered doing so by the boy's father. The father discussed the assault with Bishop Comiskey, the matter was reported to the Garda Síochána, and Fr Doyle was charged and convicted of indecent assault.

He settled a civil action with the boy's parents and moved to London. He returned to Ireland, where he worked in Dublin at a half-way house for adults. However, Archbishop Desmond Connell withdrew priestly facilities from him.