A GALWAY man who alleges he was one of six boys sexually abused in an industrial school some 40 years ago has denied he was given advice by a social worker on how to memorise details.
A 72-year-old ex-Christian Brother has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 35 counts of indecently assaulting the boys between 1967 and 1973 when they were residents at the Galway school.
The 47-year-old former pupil denied a suggestion by defence counsel, Hugh Hartnett SC, that a social worker, who was also at the school, told him to write down details of his allegation to help "memorise" them.
He admitted the social worker called to his home on one occasion and informed him there was a local solicitor dealing with cases of alleged abuse in the school.
He told prosecuting counsel, Eanna Mulloy SC, the accused would line the boys up in the shower and check if they were dry by rubbing their genitals. He said on another occasion he was brought down to an office where the accused "interfered" with him.
He alleged the accused told him to put his hands on his penis and when he refused he "clattered" him and told him to get out, warning him not to tell anyone.
Another former pupil broke down several times in the witness box as he claimed he was sexually abused by the accused on multiple occasions.
The 46-year-old man cried as he said the accused would abuse him while he was alone in places such as the dormitory or clothing store.
He agreed with Mr Hartnett that he met the same social worker as the other complainant but denied there was an attempt to "jig his memory" about the alleged abuses. The trial continues.